South Africa’s remarkable comeback against Australia has shaken up the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings. The defending champions defeated Australia by 176 runs in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
The result pushed South Africa into second place in the WTC points table, while Australia slipped to third. New Zealand moved to the top, and India remained fourth despite not playing during the latest round of matches.
The updated standings have intensified the competition for the two places in the WTC final, scheduled for 2027.
ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings
The following standings reflect the table after South Africa’s series victory over Australia:
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 2 | South Africa | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 60 | 71.43 |
| 3 | Australia | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 108 | 69.23 |
| 4 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 13 | 3 | 8 | 2 | 42 | 26.92 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 5 | 4.63 |
PCT refers to the percentage of available points won. Teams are ranked by points percentage rather than their raw points total.
New Zealand take the top spot
New Zealand have climbed to first place with a points percentage of 72.22 after winning four of their six Tests in the current cycle. Their strong run has put them in a promising position as they prepare for upcoming assignments against India, Sri Lanka and Australia.
South Africa are close behind at 71.43%. With five victories from seven matches, the Proteas have strengthened their chances of reaching a second consecutive WTC final.
The narrow gap between the top two teams means upcoming series could significantly influence the race for qualification.
South Africa rise as Australia drop to third
South Africa’s series victory over Australia was the biggest development in the latest standings.
After losing the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, the Proteas responded with an innings-and-31-run win in Gqeberha before sealing the series in Cape Town.
In the deciding Test, Ryan Rickelton scored 101 and Wiaan Mulder made 115 to help South Africa post 387 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 288.
Kagiso Rabada then dismantled Australia’s top order before Simon Harmer claimed six wickets for 16 runs. Australia were bowled out for 111, handing South Africa a 176-run victory.
Australia remain third with 108 points, but their points percentage has dropped to 69.23. The defeat also cost them the No. 1 position in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings, which South Africa have reclaimed.
Also READ: Simon Harmer spins web around Australia, power South Africa to emphatic win in Cape Town Test
India remain fourth in WTC standings
India occupy fourth place with 68 points and a points percentage of 51.52 after 11 Tests. Although they are some distance behind the top three, their qualification hopes remain alive.
India’s upcoming two-Test series against New Zealand will be particularly important. Strong performances away from home could help them close the gap and improve their position before their remaining fixtures against Australia.
However, India will need consistent results because the teams above them have already established strong points percentages.
Bangladesh, England and the remaining teams
Bangladesh sit fifth with 47.62%, followed by England on 38.54%. England have played 16 Tests and have also suffered points deductions for slow over-rates.
Sri Lanka are seventh with 33.33%, while West Indies occupy eighth place with 26.92%. Pakistan remain at the bottom with a points percentage of just 4.63 after nine matches.
The lower-ranked sides still have opportunities to improve, but they will need a consistent run of victories to move closer to the leading teams.
How does the WTC points system work?
Under the current system, a team earns 12 points for a Test victory, six points for a tie and four points for a draw. Teams are ranked according to their percentage of available points, allowing sides that have played different numbers of matches to be compared.
The two highest-ranked teams at the end of the 2025–27 cycle will qualify for the final in 2027. Slow over-rates can result in points deductions, making discipline as important as results.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest bowlers to complete 350 Test wickets by balls bowled ft. Kagiso Rabada
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