ICC Test Rankings: South Africa Slip To Third, India On Top

The loss in the second Test against Sri Lanka has not only ended South Africa’s seven-series winning streak at home but have also costed them one spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings. Sri Lanka thrashed South Africa by eight wickets to sweep the two-match series and become the first team from Asia to win a Test series in South Africa.

Sri Lanka, who had arrived in Sri Lanka on the back of heavy thrashing in New Zealand and Australia, stunned the hosts by winning the first Test in thrilling style. The visitors chased down an improbable 304 runs to claim a one-wicket win in Durban, with Kusal Perera hitting an unbeaten 153 to guide his team to victory after they had been 229-9.

In the second Test, Sri Lanka bowled out the Proteas for just 128 runs in the second innings. They resumed proceedings on day 3 on 60 for 2 and did not lose any more wicket in the chase of 197. Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando scored half-centuries during their unbeaten stand of 163 runs, While Mendis was unbeaten on 84, Fernando was batting on 75 when the match came to an end.

As a result of the loss, South Africa have slipped to third place in the latest ICC Test Rankings, released by the governing body on Saturday. South Africa started the series with 110 points but have slipped to 105 after losing both Tests to their lower-ranked opposition. They are now two points behind New Zealand, who are in second place with 107 points.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, remain in sixth place but have gained four points to move up to 93. India sits comfortably at the top with 116 points.  New Zealand, meanwhile, will have a chance to bolster their place in the second spot in the upcoming three-match series against Bangladesh at home.