New Zealand have surged to second place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings after completing a commanding 2-0 home series victory over the West Indies.
Black Caps tighten World Test Championship race behind leaders Australia
The result has significantly tightened the race near the top of the table, with leaders Australia still out in front but the chasing pack now closely bunched.
New Zealand sealed the series with a crushing 323-run win in the third Test at Mount Maunganui, adding to an earlier victory and a draw to take the three-match contest decisively. The emphatic nature of the triumph underlined the Black Caps’ growing momentum in the new WTC cycle.
Big win at Mount Maunganui delivers crucial WTC points to New Zealand
By winning two Tests in the series, New Zealand pocketed 24 valuable WTC points, lifting their points percentage (PCT) to 77.77. That haul propelled them from third to second in the standings, leapfrogging South Africa and increasing pressure on the teams below.
The dominant victory at Mount Maunganui capped a near-perfect home campaign against the West Indies, with New Zealand excelling across all departments. Strong batting performances set up imposing totals, while their bowlers consistently exploited conditions to dismantle the visitors’ line-up.
Top three teams in WTC 2025-27 standings
The latest World Test Championship table now reads:
1st – Australia: 72 points, 100% percent
Australia remain firmly at the top after winning all six Tests they have played so far in the cycle, maintaining a flawless record.
2nd – New Zealand: 28 points, 77.78% percent
The Black Caps’ home success against West Indies has vaulted them into second place and firmly into contention for a spot in the 2027 final.
3rd – South Africa: 36 points, 75% percent
South Africa slip one place despite earlier series wins over India and Pakistan, as New Zealand’s surge reshuffles the order.
India, England and others slide down the table
New Zealand’s climb has had a ripple effect further down the standings. India, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and England have all dropped one position compared to the previous update.
India now sit sixth with a 48.15% percent, a slide exacerbated by their recent 2-0 home series defeat to South Africa. With competition intensifying, every Test result is set to carry significant weight as teams jostle for the top two spots that guarantee qualification for the WTC final.
West Indies remain anchored to the bottom
For West Indies, the series loss in New Zealand further deepened a difficult WTC campaign. They remain bottom of the table with just 4 points and percentage of 4.76, having managed one draw and six defeats from seven Tests in the current cycle.
Heavy defeats in New Zealand, combined with earlier losses to Australia and India, leave the West Indies virtually out of contention for the 2027 final unless they produce a dramatic turnaround in their upcoming matches.
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