South Africa Defeating Pakistan in the second Test cemented their position at the top of the World Test Championship points table (WTC points table). The Proteas lost the final match of the series at Newlands, Cape Town, by 10 wickets to Pakistan.

After a poor performance in the first innings, Pakistan batted well in the second innings. However, South Africa eventually overcame Pakistan’s resistance on the fourth day of the Test to sweep the two-match series.

South Africa dominated the first innings with a stunning score of 615 runs. Opening batsman Ryan Rickelton performed well with the bat, scoring 259 runs, while captain Temba Bavuma and wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Veraine (Kyle Verreynne) also scored hundreds.

In response, Pakistan were bowled out for a paltry 194 runs. Apart from Babar Azam (58), no other Pakistan batsman has been able to reach 50 runs in the innings. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada picked up 2 wickets while debutants Kwena Maphaka and Keshav Maharaj picked up 2 wickets each Got two wickets.

Asked to follow up, Pakistan performed well in the second innings. Captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam shared a grand stand of 205 runs for the first wicket. However, after Babar was dismissed for 81, Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals once the stands were breached.

They ended up losing by 478 points. Masood is Pakistan’s leading scorer with 145 runs. Rabada and Maharaj took 3 wickets each in the innings.

South Africa set a target of 58 runs and crossed the finish line in just 7.1 overs. David Bedingham advanced to open the innings and smashed 44 off just 30 balls to ensure the Proteas got home safely.

The ICC WTC points table has been updated after the second SA and PAK test:

A stunning victory in Cape Town confirmed South Africa’s lead at the top of the WTC standings. While victory in the first Test earned them a spot in the WTC finals, this latest victory ensures they will go into the finals as top of the WTC standings.

South Africa will face defending champion Australia in the final. Although Australia will play two more Tests in the current cycle, they cannot displace South Africa at the top of the table. South Africa has a score of 69.44 and Australia is second with a score of 63.73.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is ranked eighth in the WTC points table with a points rate of 27.78. Pakistan will also play two more Tests in the current cycle and will look to improve their position on the table.

The following is the updated WTC points table after the second SA and PAK test: