South Africa slipped to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table after suffering a 214-run defeat to Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban. The defending champions entered the three-match series in second place but dropped below New Zealand after recording their second defeat in five matches in the current WTC cycle.
Australia, meanwhile, strengthened their position at the top of the standings with nine wins from 11 matches. Their points percentage now stands at 81.82, while New Zealand occupy second place with a PCT of 72.22. South Africa have a points percentage of 60.00 following their loss.
New Zealand move above South Africa in WTC standings
South Africa’s defeat allowed New Zealand to move into second place in the updated WTC points table. The Black Caps have 52 points from six matches, with four wins, one defeat and one draw giving them a PCT of 72.22. South Africa have 36 points from five matches, with three wins and two defeats.
Bangladesh remain fourth with 40 points and a PCT of 55.56, while India continue to occupy fifth place with 68 points from 11 matches and a PCT of 51.52. Further down the standings, England sit sixth with a PCT of 38.54, followed by Sri Lanka in seventh with 33.33. West Indies occupy eighth place with 20.83, while Pakistan remain at the bottom with a PCT of just 4.63 after losing seven of their nine matches.
Josh Hazlewood stars as Australia beat South Africa by 214 runs
Australia secured a commanding victory in Durban after Josh Hazlewood produced career-best figures of 6/49 on the fifth day. Chasing a target of 421, South Africa were bowled out for 206 despite Aiden Markram’s patient 75 off 237 deliveries and Marco Jansen’s 35. Hazlewood broke South Africa’s resistance by dismissing Wiaan Mulder for 29 before removing Jansen and Simon Harmer in the same over. Mitchell Starc then ended Markram’s innings, while Hazlewood claimed the final wicket by dismissing Anrich Nortje.
Matt Renshaw played a key role in Australia’s win, scoring 190 in the first innings and following it up with 82 in the second. Australia posted 390 before declaring their second innings at 314/6, while South Africa managed 284 in their first innings before falling short in the chase. Renshaw was named Player of the Match for his contributions, and Australia now lead the three-match Test series 1-0. The defeat also marked Temba Bavuma’s first loss as South Africa’s Test captain.
Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Ded. | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 11 | 9 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 81.82 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 3 | South Africa | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 60.00 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 40 | 55.56 |
| 5 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 12 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 30 | 20.83 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 4.63 |
Also READ: Fans react as Australia seal commanding win over South Africa in first Test
