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South Africa has taken a significant stride towards securing their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, having secured a convincing 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the two-match series. This triumph, achieved at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, has propelled South Africa to the No. 4 position in the WTC 2023-25 points table, surpassing New Zealand and England in the process. They now boast a points percentage of 47.62, a testament to their dominant performance in the series opener.
The key to South Africa's success lay in the exceptional bowling performance of Kagiso Rabada, who proved to be a force to be reckoned with throughout the match. Rabada's incredible display saw him claim a staggering 9 wickets across both innings, including a remarkable six-wicket haul in the second inning. He dismissed three Bangladeshi batters for 26 runs in the first innings, and then returned to dismantle the Bangladeshi batting lineup in the second innings, picking up another six wickets for 46 runs. This incredible feat also etched his name into the history books, as he became the fastest bowler to reach the milestone of 300 Test wickets, a testament to his enduring skill and relentless pursuit of wickets.
While Rabada stole the show with his masterful bowling, South Africa's batting unit also played its part in securing the victory. Opening batter Tony de Zorzi led the charge, scoring a crucial 41 runs off 52 balls, laying the foundation for a successful chase of the 106-run target in the second innings. His performance, coupled with the contributions of other South African batsmen, ensured a comfortable victory for the visitors and a 1-0 lead in the series.
This triumph has not only boosted South Africa's WTC final aspirations but also put them in a strong position to secure a top-two finish in the standings. The Proteas have five remaining Test matches in the WTC cycle, and if they manage to emerge victorious in all of them, they will finish with a 69.44 PCT%, solidifying their place in the final. Their upcoming schedule features two-match Test series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, both on home soil, presenting them with a golden opportunity to bolster their standings and secure their spot in the prestigious tournament.
The upcoming India-Australia series, a five-match affair, is set to be a crucial battle for the second WTC final spot. With both teams vying for the top spot in the standings, each match will carry immense significance, as the winner will automatically secure their place in the final. This clash between two cricketing giants promises to be a thrilling encounter, with high stakes and intense competition, adding to the already exciting and unpredictable nature of the WTC 2023-25 cycle.
The final of the WTC 2023-25 is slated for June 11-15 at Lord's, the historic ground in London. The culmination of a thrilling season, this match will determine the ultimate champion of Test cricket, with the two top-ranked teams vying for the coveted title. The battle for the final spots is far from over, and the remaining matches are sure to be filled with drama, tension, and high-quality cricket as teams fight for a place in the grand finale at Lord's.
Source: South Africa Boost WTC 2025 Final Hopes With 7-Wicket Win In 1st Bangladesh Test