ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 Points Table Updated: SA Rise to Third Place After Win Over AUS, India Remain Fifth
The ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points table has been updated following South Africa's dominant innings and 31-run victory over Australia in the second Test, which concluded on October 22, 2026, in Gqeberha.
The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table has seen a significant shake-up following South Africa's commanding innings and 31-run victory over Australia in the second Test of their series. The Proteas' win, which concluded on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in Gqeberha, has injected fresh impetus into the race for the top two spots, with Australia's lead at the summit now significantly reduced.
Australia, despite the defeat, continues to lead the standings with a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 75.00 from 12 matches. However, South Africa's triumphant performance has propelled them to third place, boasting a PCT of 66.67 from six matches, closely trailing New Zealand (72.22 PCT).
Proteas' Dominance Levels Series
South Africa's victory at St George's Park in Gqeberha was a statement performance, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. After weather disruptions marred the initial days, the Proteas took control through captain Temba Bavuma's monumental 179 and a record-breaking 183-run eighth-wicket partnership with Simon Harmer (82), declaring at 425/9. Marco Jansen's devastating spell of 5/33 then skittled Australia for just 99 in their first innings, forcing a follow-on.
Despite a defiant century from Travis Head (121 off 190 deliveries) in the second innings, Australia's lower order crumbled to South Africa's relentless bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada's superb figures of 4/77 and Wiaan Mulder's 3/64 ensured the Proteas secured an emphatic win on Day 5.
Updated ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table (as of October 23, 2026)
| Rank | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 108 | 75.00 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 3 | South Africa | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 48 | 66.67 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 40 | 55.56 |
| 5 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 30 | 20.83 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 4.63 |
*Note: PCT (Percentage of Points) is the primary ranking method. Points are awarded as 12 for a win, 6 for a tie, and 4 for a draw. Deductions apply for slow over-rates.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead
The enthralling series between South Africa and Australia will reach its climax with the third and final Test, scheduled to begin on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. This decider will have significant implications for both teams' WTC aspirations, particularly for Australia seeking to solidify its top position and South Africa aiming to climb higher.
Simultaneously, Bangladesh is set to host West Indies for a two-Test series, with the first match commencing on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in Mirpur. These upcoming encounters are vital as teams battle for crucial points in their quest for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final in 2027. The competition remains fierce, with every match holding significant weight in the journey to the final.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 11:19 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
