Defending champions South Africa face an uphill battle in their 202527 World Test Championship cycle as their path to the final is far tougher this time compared to their last campaign.
The last World Test Championship saw South Africa end their 27-year wait for an ICC trophy by defeating Australia by five wickets in the final at Lords.
In the previous cycle, South Africa played six two-match Test series. Their toughest overseas challenge came against New Zealand, where they lost 0-2 after fielding a second-string squad, with regulars unavailable due to the SA20 league. Their other away tours were against Bangladesh and the West Indies.
While Asian conditions often prove difficult for SENA teams, South Africa overcame this hurdle with a 2-0 clean sweep in Bangladesh after edging the West Indies 1-0. At home, their toughest assignment was against India, where they secured a 1-1 draw. This was their only series against a 'Big Three' side, leading to debates that their path to the final and eventual title was relatively easier compared to other contenders.