According to the title, no side has guaranteed a spot in the World Test Championship final, but both are in the running. Despite crushing Sri Lanka by 233 runs in Durban, South Africa only recorded an easy victory since the WTC scoring system does not recognize large winning margins.
Nevertheless, they are confident now that they have reached Gqeberha. Their route to the final becomes considerably clearer with another victory tonight. In contrast, a victory for Sri Lanka would provide them the opportunity to go to the final independently of other outcomes. (They would also have to defeat Australia 2-0 in their matches.)
However, being more competitive than they were in Durban is their primary objective. In particular, their batters can’t let another collapse happen.
For example, these seaside locations are not as lively as they are in the Highveld, but they have undoubtedly been more difficult for Sri Lanka than they anticipated. Additionally, they will hope that the surface will dry up and allow spinners to play a more significant role in the game, especially considering the wind and sunlight anticipated for Gqeberha over the next several days.
Although South Africa own hitters were knocked for 191 in the first innings at Kingsmead, they have Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs in excellent form heading into this Test, and Aiden Markram also had a respectable performance there.
The main issue facing South Africa before the Test is the composition of their attack, since selectors have ruled out both Gerald Coetzee and Wiaan Mulder. However, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, who split 14 wickets in the previous Test match with Jansen taking 11 on his own, remain their leaders.
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