Australia continue to lead the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table after South Africa bounced back with a dominant victory in the second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha. The defending champions defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs, with Temba Bavuma’s 179 _ to level the three-match series 1-1. The result reduced Australia’s points percentage (PCT) to 75.00, while South Africa improved to 66.67. New Zealand remain second with 72.22 PCT, keeping the race for the top two positions competitive.
The fourth edition of the WTC runs from June 2025 to mid-2027, featuring nine Test-playing nations. Each team plays six Test series, with the top two teams by points percentage qualifying for the final at The Oval in London. Since teams play different numbers of matches, PCT rather than total points determines their positions in the standings.
South Africa close the gap on Australia in WTC standings
Australia have collected 108 points from 12 Tests, winning nine and losing three to sit at the top with 75.00 PCT. New Zealand occupy second place with 52 points from six matches, having registered four wins, one defeat and one draw. South Africa are third with 48 points and 66.67 PCT after winning four of their six Tests.
Bangladesh occupy fourth place with 40 points and 55.56 PCT, while India are fifth with 68 points and 51.52 PCT. Further down the table, England sit sixth with 38.54 PCT after playing 16 Tests. Sri Lanka are seventh with 33.33 PCT, followed by West Indies at 20.83. Pakistan remain ninth with 4.63 PCT after deductions for slow over-rates.
India face a tough road to the WTC 2027 final
India remain in fifth place after playing 11 Tests in the current cycle, winning five, losing four and drawing two. Shubman Gill’s side have 68 points and a PCT of 51.52, leaving them with significant ground to make up in the qualification race. India have seven Tests remaining, including two away against New Zealand and five at home against Australia. To reach a 60 PCT, India would need to collect at least 62 of the 84 available points from those matches.
That would require a strong run of results, alongside favourable outcomes in the remaining fixtures involving Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. South Africa’s victory in Gqeberha has made the race more interesting by bringing their PCT closer to Australia’s. The third and final Test between the two sides, scheduled to begin in Cape Town on October 27, could further influence the standings as the teams continue their battle for a place in the 2027 final.
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Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Tie | Draw | No Result | Ded. | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 75.00 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 3 | South Africa | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 66.67 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 6 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 40 | 55.56 |
| 5 | India | 11 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 51.52 |
| 6 | England | 16 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 14 | 74 | 38.54 |
| 7 | Sri Lanka | 6 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 33.33 |
| 8 | West Indies | 12 | 2 | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 30 | 20.83 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 4.63 |
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