Will Proteas reach World Test Championship final?

The Proteas may be flying under the radar on the Test scene, but they remain very much on track to reach the WTC final.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada celebrates his 300th Test wicket. Image: TANVIN TAMIM / AFP

High-profile Test fixtures are few and far between for the Proteas in the current cricket landscape, with ICC powerhouses Australia, India and England most predominantly enjoying ‘plum’ match-ups in the red ball format.

Nevertheless, the Proteas find themselves in a position where they could take control of their own destiny, and book a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC).

As a reminder, the ICC World Test Championship is a two-year tournament with nine teams competing for two spots in the WTC Final. Teams are ranked on percentage of WTC points won in eligible Test matches.

Currently, in this cycle building towards the 2025 WTC final, things are tight at the top of the standings, with just 15 percent separating the top five teams.

India and Australia remain in the top two spots on the standings and a repeat of the memorable 2023 final at The Oval remains a distinct possibility.

However, the Proteas certainly remain in strong contention, and are currently looking well-placed to secure a series win over Bangladesh.

HOW THINGS STAND FOR THE PROTEAS

Percent: 47.62, matches remaining: Bangladesh (one away), Sri Lanka (two home) and Pakistan (two home)

If South Africa win each of their five remaining Tests, they will finish with 69.44%, which will surely be enough for qualification, as only one out of India or Australia can go past that number.

Four wins and a draw will leave South Africa with 63.89%, while four wins and a defeat will lower the percentage marginally to 61.11%, which could still give them a chance if other results go their way.

They have a favourable schedule, though, with home Tests to come against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, after the second Test of their ongoing series against Bangladesh.

In short, the Proteas certainly have every chance of booking a coveted spot in the final as they will be favourites at home against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.