South Africa's victory in the Test series against the West Indies maintains their slim hope of qualifying for the World Test Championship final next year, provided they secure wins in at least five of their upcoming six matches. The 40-run victory against the West Indies at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown last Saturday marked their second win in six Tests of the 2023-25 cycle, propelling them to fifth place in the rankings. However, to have any chance of competing with top contenders like India and Australia for a spot in next year's final, they must triumph in at least five of their remaining six Tests—two against Bangladesh in October (pending confirmation), followed by two each against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home later this year. Qualifying for the championship final is a target for South Africa, who continued their historical dominance over the West Indies with their recent win in Guyana. The second Test was a fluctuating contest, with the home team aiming for a 263-run target but falling short at 222, all out by South Africa. "It was very satisfying because winning away from home is never easy, and it should never be taken for granted," said South Africa captain Temba Bavuma. This was South Africa's first Test since February, when a second-tier team was sent to New Zealand due to the Twenty20 commitments of the main players, resulting in an easy defeat. They returned at full strength for their short tour of the Caribbean, drawing the first rain-affected Test in Trinidad and Tobago. "Our aim was to win the series in the Caribbean, and we're pleased to have achieved that. We also played some good cricket along the way," Bavuma commented. "We faced pressure and found solutions during those times. We can still improve, but this young team can gain a lot of learning and confidence from this experience," he added.