Latest ICC World Test Championship Standings: South Africa Climbs to Second Place
ICC World Test Championship Standings Update
As of 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 over Australia at home. This win has propelled South Africa to the second position, while New Zealand has taken over the top spot from Australia. With the championship cycle entering a pivotal phase, teams are now focused on solidifying their chances for a top-two finish. Here’s a detailed look at the current standings after South Africa's triumph over Australia:
Team Rankings and Performance
1). New Zealand
Matches Played: 6 | Wins: 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 has ascended to the top of the standings after South Africa's victory over Australia. They made a strong impact in their first outing of this cycle against the West Indies, achieving a high-scoring draw followed by a nine-wicket win and a decisive 323-run victory in the third Test. Their recent 2-1 series win over England further solidified their position, with four wins out of six matches this cycle. They have challenging series ahead against India and Sri Lanka, along with demanding tours to Australia and Pakistan.
2). South Africa
Matches Played: 7 | Wins: 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)
South Africa achieved a significant series win against Australia, coming back from a 1-0 deficit to win 2-1. This victory marked their fifth win in the current cycle, showcasing strong performances from captain Temba Bavuma and bowlers Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. They previously demonstrated their strength with a 2-0 series win over India, their first on Indian soil in 25 years, and a drawn series against Pakistan. Their next focus will be on home series against Bangladesh and England, followed by a tour to Sri Lanka.
3). Australia
Matches Played: 13 | Wins: 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 faced their first series loss of the cycle against South Africa after a strong start that included a series sweep over the West Indies and a dominant Ashes retention. Despite their earlier successes, they were dethroned from the top two positions following back-to-back losses to South Africa. They now prepare for a home series against New Zealand and a challenging five-match series in India early next year.
4). India
Matches Played: 11 | Wins: 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 is under pressure after a 0-2 home series defeat to South Africa, following a drawn series against England. They need to perform well in their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka and New Zealand to improve their standing. A recent victory in Galle has provided some momentum, but they will need to secure more points in their next series to stay competitive.
5). Bangladesh
Matches Played: 7 | Wins: 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 started strong but lost their first Test against the West Indies. They aim to level the series and improve their standings. A previous away victory over Australia has boosted their confidence, and they look to build on this momentum in their upcoming fixtures.
6). England
Matches Played: 16 | Wins: 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 a mixed cycle, winning seven out of 16 Tests but also facing defeats against New Zealand and Australia. They have two series remaining against South Africa and Bangladesh, and they need to capitalize on these opportunities to improve their standing.
7). Sri Lanka
Matches Played: 6 | Wins: 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 began the cycle with a series win over Bangladesh but struggled thereafter, losing to the West Indies and India. They face a tough road ahead with upcoming series against South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan.
8). West Indies
Matches Played: 13 | Wins: 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 their third win of the cycle against Bangladesh, taking a 1-0 lead in their final series. They aim to build on this momentum after a mixed performance in previous series.
9). Pakistan
Matches Played: 9 | Wins: 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, suffering defeats in England and struggling to maintain their standing. They need to regroup and perform well in their upcoming matches to improve their position in the standings.