Australia will next play India in India in a series of four Tests.
The Proteas' batters finally showed some fight at the SCG and Australia's imposing bowling attack failed to take advantage as the rain-affected match ended without a whimper, as Proteas were 106/2 while following on.
Now this means that Australia must wait until their four-Test series in India to book a place in the final of the WTC 2023, as a win in the third Test would have confirmed their spot in the summit clash.
Australia did win the series 2-0, but their failure to capitalize in the Sydney Test saw their point-percentage drop to 75.56% following the Test.
India's chances of reaching a second consecutive final were boosted as they remain in the second spot on the standings with a 58.93 point percentage, while Sri Lanka is also in the mix in third with 53.33%.
South Africa also saw their valuable percentage- 48.72% and they remain 4th and their hopes of reaching the final resting on their upcoming series at home against the West Indies. But they would also need a bunch of other results going their way to keep their hopes of final qualification alive.
Here is the current table of WTC 2023: