Pakistan started the (WTC) 2025-2027 with a stunning win over South Africa. Pakistan has achieved some stunning results at home since changing their tactics and preparing rank turners for the series.
The pitch played its part, and Pakistan spinner made full use of the conditions, taking 10 wickets across innings and helping Pakistan bowl out South Africa for 269 and 183, respectively.
South Africa spinner Senuran Muthusamy also enjoyed the conditions and picked 11 wickets in the match to keep South Africa close to Pakistan; however, the first innings total of 378 by the hosts was a bit too much on the wicket.
The 109-run lead in the first innings meant that South Africa were always playing the chasing game. They did bowl out Pakistan for 167 in the second innings, but still conceded a 93-run defeat.
WTC Table After Pakistan Beat South Africa
The win meant that Pakistan jumped to second in the WTC table with 12 points and a PCT of 100. Australia, who have three wins in three games, sits at the top while Sri Lanka, who have a win and a draw in two games, are third. India have played the most games in the WTC cycle – 7, and they are placed fourth, down by one place, with a PCT of 61.90 after two wins each against England and West Indies.
Can India vs Pakistan Meet In The WTC Final?
India have a great chance of reaching the WTC final. They have two Tests against South Africa, and five Tests against Australia at home. The conditions will favour them and they are expected to win both series. The away series is against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, and the Shubman Gill-led side should do well in Sri Lanka. They might be tested in New Zealand, but overall, they have a great chance of reaching the final.
Meanwhile, Pakistan will play New Zealand and Sri Lanka at home after the South Africa series, and their away series will be against England, West Indies and Bangladesh. Given how dominant Pakistan have been at home, they should win many games, while apart from England, both West Indies and Bangladesh are very beatable, even in their home conditions. If they play well, the India vs Pakistan WTC final could become a reality.