Temba Bavuma shifts focus to Pakistan after going top of WTC points table

Sri Lanka needed 143 runs on Day Five to win the second Test in Gqeberha but lost their last five wickets for just 19 runs to allow South Africa to complete a 2-0 whitewash. With this win, South Africa go top of the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

Following South Africa skipper a 109-run win at St. George's Park, skipper Temba Bavuma has already turned his attention to Pakistan, against whom they play a couple of Tests at home.

A win against the Shan Masood-led side will guarantee them a spot in the WTC final, which is scheduled to be played at Lord's in June 2025.

"I think we're doing well as a team, no.1 in the WTC table as of now. I don't know what'll happen in the future, but we'll celebrate today. In a couple of weeks, we've Pakistan coming up, we'll have to keep our focus on that and continue on our journey," Bavuma said at the post-match presentation.

Bavuma returned after an injury break and smashed four 50-plus scores in four innings, including a ton. He hit 327 runs at 81.75, while none of the batters in the series even crossed 200.

"Good to be back, was frustrating watching the guys from the sidelines, was good to be amongst them. Was hungry to get back and get the opportunity to be back, happy to have made the most of the opportunities that I got," he said.

Bavuma's opposite number, Dhananjaya de Silva, lauded his team for their performance, but just not good enough to force a result.

"We played better cricket, but not good enough to get results in our favour. We are getting better, but we need to spend our 100%, that's what I want my team to do moving forward. We don't have any set plans for that series as of now [on the upcoming Tests against Australia]," he said.

South Africa's next Test series — against Pakistan — kicks off on December 26 at Centurion before moving to Cape Town for the second game. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, welcome Australia for a two-match series in Galle, starting January 29.

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