Bavuma likes what he sees as Proteas inch closer to WTC final

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is taking nothing for granted as his side inched closer to a maiden berth in the ICC World Test Championship Final with an impressive series sweep over Sri Lanka.

The Proteas moved to the top of the World Test Championship standings with an 109-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha on Monday and are now just one Test victory away from earning their place in the 2025 ultimate Test at Lord's.

World Test Championship Standings

Bavuma's side has two more Tests remaining this cycle to clinch their place in the one-off Test and need just one win from their two-match series at home against Pakistan that commences later this month to ensure they feature in the match.

But Bavuma knows there is still work to do and is not contemplating a spot in the final until his side has it cemented.

“The championship table looks good,” Bavuma admitted after the victory over Sri Lanka.

“We see ourselves at number one with two games to go. I don’t know what the maths looks like but we’re playing good cricket and we want it to continue.”

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

Bavuma was named Player of the Series against Sri Lanka after he managed 327 runs across four innings, but the Proteas had a number of major contributors that included young batter Tristan Stubbs (187 runs), all-rounder Marco Jansen (14 wickets) and spinner Keshav Maharaj (nine scalps).

“For a lot of the guys it was a proper taste of what Test cricket is about,” Bavuma said.

“It’s rare when you get to play for five days and it’s also rare when the game is always in the balance. There were times when we were on top and times when Sri Lanka were getting the momentum on their side.”

Sri Lanka remain in contention for a spot in the World Test Championship decider, although the Asian side will need to win both their remaining fixtures against Australia next year and rely on other results going in their favour.

Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was proud of the efforts of his side in South Africa, but rued some costly mistakes at crucial times as the team fell short of claiming a rare away victory.

“The guys fought hard but it was not good enough,” de Silva said.

“The bowling attack that South Africa had kept asking questions.

“We’re getting better but we need to be 100 percent better in every department."