The first Test of two between South Africa and West Indies ended in a draw on Sunday. Here's what the World Test Championship standings look like after the result.
In a rain-hit affair, a large number of overs were lost throughout the Test match as it eventually came to a draw. South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first, scoring 357 in an innings that lasted more than two days due to the multiple weather-related delays. Temba Bavuma (86) and Tony de Zorzi (78) stood out with the bat.
In reply, West Indies made their way to 145-4 by the end of day three. On day four, only two hours of play were possible but the hosts contrived to lose their six remaining wickets before South Africa made 30-0 in five overs to register a lead of 154 runs, bringing some life back into the game.
The final day began on time, although the threat of rain still loomed. The Proteas batted aggressively in the first session, declaring before lunch to set West Indies 298 for victory. The hosts lost captain Kraigg Brathwaite early before a rain delay and were then precariously placed at 64-3. However, partnerships of 63 & 65 for the fourth and fifth wickets helped them see out the rest of the day's play for a draw.
Updated WTC points table: South Africa and West Indies improve PCT, but remain where they are
The draw means that both sides have improved their points percentage, but they remain where they are on the table in terms of rankings. South Africa are in 7th place, behind England and ahead of Bangladesh while West Indies are still bottom of the pile.
A win for West Indies would have seen these two teams exchange positions on the table, while a South African win would have lifted the Proteas into fifth spot.
It is still early in South Africa's journey in this cycle, and their losses to New Zealand earlier this year were far from ideal results. They still remain in with a slight chance of qualifying for the WTC final next year, and this is their path to doing so.
As far as West Indies are concerned, their hopes of making it to the final have been over for a while now. Their recent 3-0 series defeat to England was a real hammer blow to any faint hopes they may have had.
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After the second Test between these teams in Guyana, South Africa will be in action against Sri Lanka in November. A favourable result there against a team currently ahead of them in the table could prove extremely useful. West Indies' next red-ball engagement is against Bangladesh in November, and positive results will be required for them to avoid the wooden spoon.
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