South Africa Climbs to Second in ICC World Test Championship Standings After Series Win Over Australia
South Africa's Impressive Series Victory
Cape Town [Durban], November 1: The reigning champions, South Africa, have surged back into the top two of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings following a remarkable 2-1 series victory against Australia at home.
Currently, the Proteas hold the second position, while New Zealand has taken over the top spot from Australia. As the championship cycle progresses, teams are eager to solidify their chances for a top-two finish.
Here's a breakdown of the current standings in the World Test Championship after South Africa's triumph over Australia:
1. New Zealand
Matches Played: 6
Victories: 4
Points Percentage: 72.22
Top Run-Scorer: Devon Conway (676 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Jacob Duffy (23 wickets)
Upcoming Series: IND (2), SL (2), AUS (4), PAK (2)
New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions, have ascended to the top of the standings after South Africa's win over Australia. They made a significant impact in their first outing this cycle against the West Indies, bouncing back from a high-scoring draw to secure a nine-wicket victory, followed by a commanding 323-run win in the third Test.
Their position was further solidified with a notable 2-1 series win against England.
2. South Africa
Matches Played: 7
Victories: 5
Points Percentage: 71.43
Top Run-Scorer: Ryan Rickelton (435 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Simon Harmer (42 wickets)
Upcoming Series: BAN (2), ENG (3), SL (2)
The Proteas staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the series against Australia, marking their fifth win in the current cycle. After trailing 1-0, they showcased a dominant performance, led by captain Temba Bavuma's career-best innings and outstanding bowling from Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada.
Following their victory in Gqeberha, they secured another win in Cape Town, with Ryan Rickelton and Simon Harmer playing pivotal roles in a 176-run triumph.
3. Australia
Matches Played: 13
Victories: 9
Points Percentage: 69.23
Top Run-Scorer: Travis Head (1124 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Mitchell Starc (73 wickets)
Upcoming Series: NZ (4), IND (5)
Australia, the 2023 World Test Championship winners, faced their first series defeat of the cycle against South Africa. They had a strong start, sweeping the West Indies and retaining the Ashes at home, but a surprising loss to Bangladesh affected their standing.
Despite a win in Mackay, their lead was diminished after South Africa's consecutive victories in Gqeberha and Cape Town.
4. India
Matches Played: 11
Victories: 5
Points Percentage: 51.52
Top Run-Scorer: Shubman Gill (1024 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Mohammed Siraj (43 wickets)
Upcoming Series: AUS (5), NZ (2)
India finds itself under pressure after a drawn series against England and a 0-2 home defeat to South Africa. They need to perform well in their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand to improve their standing.
5. Bangladesh
Matches Played: 7
Victories: 3
Points Percentage: 47.62
Top Run-Scorer: Najmul Hossain Shanto (676 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Taijul Islam (26 wickets)
Upcoming Series: WI (1), ENG (2), SA (2)
Bangladesh aims to recover after losing their first Test against the West Indies. They previously impressed with a victory over Australia and a home series win against Pakistan.
6. England
Matches Played: 16
Victories: 7
Points Percentage: 38.54
Top Run-Scorer: Joe Root (1272 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Josh Tongue (64 wickets)
Upcoming Series: SA (3), BAN (2)
England has had mixed results, winning seven out of 16 Tests but also facing series defeats. They have two series left against South Africa and Bangladesh.
7. Sri Lanka
Matches Played: 6
Victories: 1
Points Percentage: 33.33
Top Run-Scorer: Sonal Dinusha (606 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Asitha Fernando (25 wickets)
Upcoming Series: SA (2), PAK (2), NZ (2)
Sri Lanka started strong but struggled in subsequent matches, needing to improve as they face tough series ahead.
8. West Indies
Matches Played: 13
Victories: 3
Points Percentage: 26.92
Top Run-Scorer: Justin Greaves (821 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Shamar Joseph (38 wickets)
Upcoming Series: BAN (1)
West Indies secured a win against Bangladesh, looking to build on their momentum after a mixed performance in previous series.
9. Pakistan
Matches Played: 9
Victories: 2
Points Percentage: 4.63
Top Run-Scorer: Shan Masood (546 runs)
Top Wicket-Taker: Mohammad Abbas (41 wickets)
Upcoming Series: SL (2), NZ (2)
Pakistan has faced challenges in their recent series, struggling to maintain form and suffering penalties for slow over rates.