New Delhi, Oct. 23 -- South Africa's inspiring victory over Australia in the second Test in a rain-interrupted game at St George's Park, Gqeberha, has given a glimmer of hope for India in the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 final. Having lost the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, South Africa, who are the reigning world champions in red-ball cricket, needed a win to stay alive.

Batting first, captain Temba Bavuma's 179 and 80-plus knocks from Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen helped the Proteas to 425/9 declared in the first innings. Jansen followed his batting heroics with a five-wicket haul as Australia were bundled out for just 99, thus giving the hosts a massive 326-run lead. Bavuma enforced a follow-on on Australia. ...