South Africa secured a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka on the final day of the second Test at St George’s Park, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Spinner Keshav Maharaj played a key role, taking five wickets for 76 runs as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 238 within 70 minutes on the last morning.
Both teams entered the match needing a win to keep their hopes alive for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. Resuming on 205-5 and requiring 143 more runs, Sri Lanka’s resistance quickly crumbled. The home side broke a 97-run sixth-wicket stand when Kusal Mendis was caught by Aiden Markram off Maharaj for 46, following a review to confirm the dismissal.
Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva followed soon after, edging a sharp Kagiso Rabada delivery to depart for 50. The remaining wickets fell swiftly, with Maharaj dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya and Vishwa Fernando, and Marco Jansen claiming the final wicket of Lahiru Kumara.
The win moved South Africa to the top of the WTC standings. With two home Tests against Pakistan remaining, the Proteas need just one more victory to secure their place in the final. Sri Lanka’s hopes now hinge on an unlikely 2-0 series win over Australia in February and favourable results elsewhere.
Meanwhile, India and Australia remain contenders, with both teams facing critical matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and other series to determine their paths to the WTC final.