South Africa rises to 2nd in WTC after big win against Sri Lanka

South Africa have completed a heavy victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test, winning by 233 runs on Saturday in Durban.

In doing so, the Proteas strengthened their chances of making the World Test Championship final, moving ahead of Australia and New Zealand to second on the WTC table.

While Sri Lanka were much improved on day four, the victory was still largely a formality after they began the day heavy underdogs at the top cricket betting sites, trailing by 413 runs with just five wickets in hand.

The opening session was promising, as overnight batsmen Dinesh Chandimal (83) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (59) put on 93 runs to take Sri Lanka to 196/5.

When de Silva fell, Kusal Mendis (48) formed another fruitful partnership with Chandimal, building to 271/6 and giving the home side a glimmer of concern.

However, a soft caught-and-bowled ended Chandimal’s stay, and with it the Sri Lankan resistance as the final four wickets fell for 11 runs leaving the visitors 282 all out.

“Tough cricket out there, quite happy with the result,” winning captain Temba Bavuma said after the match.

“We were in a tough position, knew we had to dig deep.

“We spoke about getting in a comfortable position and were able to do so.

“Got a good partnership in the first innings and that helped.

“We saw how the wicket was playing, and the conditions were favourable for seamers.

“We were confident that if they could put us in trouble, we could do so.

“We knew conditions were in our favour.

“Batting always felt tricky, you never felt in.”

The two sides will meet again on Thursday in Gqeberha for the second of two Tests.

Cricket betting odds are currently South Africa a $1.40 hope with Bovada to defeat Sri Lanka.

Win, and they will further improve their chances of making the WTC final.

South Africa currently sits on a win percentage of 59.26% – behind India’s 61.11%, but ahead of Australia (57.69%) and New Zealand (54.44%).

Given Australia and New Zealand are struggling in their respective series, another victory for South Africa will further tighten their grip on second place.

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