At the start of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, South Africa was eyeing the opportunity to close the gap on India at the top of the rankings. The Proteas had come off the back of a 3-0 series win over Pakistan, and had the momentum to dominate the Sri Lankans, who have suffered a number of Test series defeats in the last few months.

🙌 HISTORIC WIN FOR SRI LANKA 🙌 Unbeaten fifties from Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis on the third morning help the visitors register their first ever Test series victory in South Africa.#SAvSL SCORECARD ⏬https://t.co/dkczebcheC pic.twitter.com/NCtu2hr1Z3 — ICC (@ICC) February 23, 2019

Sri Lanka have also been travelling for some time, whereas the Proteas have been playing at home for two-and-a-half months.

The Proteas kicked off the series on 110 points, but after losing both Tests in the series, they have slipped down to 105 points, placing them two points behind New Zealand, who now hold second place on 107 points.

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Sri Lanka have gained four points to move up to 93 on the list, but remain in sixth position, with England ahead of them in fifth place on 104 points.