South Africa won the two-match Test series against Zimbabwe 2-0: here's what the ICC rankings are after the result.
The second Test will be remembered for Wiaan Mulder’s blistering 367 not out off 334 balls by lunch on day two – the second-fastest Test triple century – putting him on track to challenge Brian Lara’s record 400 not out. However, in a surprising move, South Africa declared at 626-5, denying Mulder the chance to chase history.
Zimbabwe, dismissed for 170 in their first innings, were forced to follow on. At 184-9 in the second innings, they risked being bowled out twice for fewer runs than Mulder’s individual score. No. 11 Tanaka Chivanga (22) offered brief resistance, but Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 220, suffering a defeat by an innings and 236 runs.
The series opener was lit up by teen debutant Lhuan-dre-Pretorius, who became the youngest Test centurion for South Africa at 19 years 93 days. He struck a 160-ball 153, hitting 11 fours and four sixes. South Africa won the match by 328 runs.
2nd Test, Zimbabwe vs South Africa
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Updated ICC Test rankings after ZIM vs SA
Neither side has changed its position following the Test series. South Africa, who rose to second after winning the World Test Championship final – their first ICC title in 27 years – have consolidated their No. 2 spot in the ICC Test rankings with a rating of 115. Just eight rating points now separate them from table-toppers Australia, who recently clinched their ongoing series against West Indies with a victory in Grenada.
Despite securing a rare Test win in Sylhet against Bangladesh, Zimbabwe have lost four consecutive matches, with their rating dropping to 10. They remain the lowest-ranked side at 12th.
