WTC 2023: A three-match Test series and a three-match ODI series will be played between the South Africa cricket team and Australia. The Test series will start on December 17 while the ODI series will start on January 12.
South Africa is currently ranked third in the ICC Men’s Test rankings for WTC 2023, behind Australia at the top. There have been 78 Test matches between these two teams, with Australia winning 52 and South Africa taking home 26 victories. Fans may anticipate another exciting series between these two teams since they last faced off in a Test match in 2018.
India won the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh by a score of 188 runs, moving up to second place in the ICC WTC 2023.
Just hours after defeating Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team moved up to second place because of South Africa’s six-wicket loss to Australia in the first Test in Brisbane.
India now leads South Africa (54.54) and Sri Lanka (53.33) in the WTC 2023 standings with a PCT of 55.77 points. Three teams are presently competing for the top two slots in the WTC 2023 cycle: Australia, South Africa, and India.
WTC 2023: What Happens Next?
The outcome of the current three-Test series between Australia and South Africa would also have an impact on India’s hopes. If Australia defeats the Proteas 3-0, it will go to the final after recently defeating the West Indies 2-0 at home.
India still has five Test matches left, including four at home against Australia starting in February and one against Bangladesh (December 22–26). India would require at least three victories and a draw against Australia to guarantee qualifying for the final with a minimum PCT of 64.35 in WTC 2023, assuming that India defeats Bangladesh 2-0.
In the upcoming days, the WTC rankings may significantly change as Australia plays South Africa in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, while India plays Bangladesh in the second Test on Thursday (December 22) in Mirpur (December 26). As ‘Bazball’ continues to rule in Subcontinent conditions, Pakistan’s match versus England might not have much of an impact on the Top Two berth.
WTC 2023: What are the current Standings?
Australia currently holds the final WTC position with 76.92 PTC, followed by India with 55.77 PTC, thanks to its victory over South Africa. Due to their loss, South Africa now has 54.54 PTC and is just ahead of Sri Lanka.
On the other hand, as the WTC cycle nears its conclusion, Pakistan’s series loss to England has hurt their prospects of earning a top-two spot.
WTC 2023: Australia Defeat South Africa By 6 Wickets
Australia overcame South Africa by six wickets in the opening Test of the three-match series at The Gabba in Brisbane thanks in large part to Pat Cummins‘ seven wickets. Australia was run out for 99 runs in their second innings. And the Proteas set them a goal of 34 runs.
Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland each took two wickets, and Pat Cummins got a five-wicket haul. Nathan Lyon made a scalp. Australia bowled South Africa out for 152 on Saturday after captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bowl first. The hosts then scored 218 runs, building a 66-run lead after the first innings. With 92 runs, Travis Head led the team in scoring.
