New Delhi, 01 November (H.S.): The race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 title is becoming increasingly competitive. Following their 2-1 home series victory over Australia, defending champions South Africa have reclaimed a place in the top two of the standings. Meanwhile, New Zealand have moved ahead of Australia to claim the top position.

South Africa's series triumph has pushed Australia down to third place. India are currently fourth, while Bangladesh occupy the fifth position. With several important Test series still remaining in the current WTC cycle, the standings could undergo further changes in the coming months.

Here is a look at the latest WTC standings following South Africa's series victory over Australia.

1. New Zealand

Matches played: 6

Wins: 4

Points percentage: 72.22%

New Zealand have climbed to the top of the WTC standings following an impressive run of performances. The team secured a 2-1 series victory over the West Indies before carrying its strong form into the tour of England.

After losing the opening Test against England, the Black Caps bounced back with consecutive victories to clinch the series 2-1. With four wins from six matches, New Zealand have accumulated a points percentage of 72.22, placing them at the top of the table.

New Zealand's upcoming assignments include home Test series against India and Sri Lanka, followed by away tours of Australia and Pakistan. These fixtures will be crucial to the team's chances of qualifying for the final.

2. South Africa

Matches played: 7

Wins: 5

Points percentage: 71.43%

Defending champions South Africa have made a strong comeback after defeating Australia 2-1 in their three-match home Test series. The Proteas lost the opening match but recovered emphatically, winning the next two Tests in succession to seal the series.

Earlier in the current cycle, South Africa had registered a 2-0 series victory over India on Indian soil before drawing their series against Pakistan.

The Proteas will now host Bangladesh and England before travelling to Sri Lanka for their final series of the current cycle.

3. Australia

Matches played: 13

Wins: 9

Points percentage: 69.23%

Australia began their WTC 2025-27 campaign in impressive fashion. The team defeated the West Indies in the Caribbean and also retained the Ashes on home soil. However, an unexpected defeat against Bangladesh proved to be a setback.

Australia subsequently bounced back by defeating South Africa by 214 runs in the Durban Test to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. However, the Proteas won the remaining two matches to overturn the deficit and clinch the series 2-1.

The defeat has cost Australia the top position in the WTC standings, with the team now placed third.

Australia have four Tests against New Zealand and five against India remaining in the current cycle. The team will need to deliver strong performances in these fixtures to remain firmly in contention for a place in the final.

4. India

Matches played: 11

Wins: 5

Points percentage: 51.52%

India's campaign in the WTC 2025-27 cycle has been marked by mixed results. After drawing their Test series against England, India suffered a 0-2 defeat at home against South Africa, making their path to the final more challenging.

The team subsequently bounced back with a 1-0 series victory in Sri Lanka.

India are now scheduled to play two Tests against New Zealand in New Zealand, followed by a five-match home series against Australia. The team will need to secure as many victories as possible in these remaining fixtures to keep its hopes of reaching the final alive.

5. Bangladesh

Matches played: 7

Wins: 3

Points percentage: 47.62%

Bangladesh have produced some notable performances in the current WTC cycle. After winning a home Test series against Pakistan, the team also surprised Australia by securing a victory on Australian soil. The series against Australia ended in a 1-1 draw.

However, Bangladesh suffered a setback after losing the opening Test of their home series against the West Indies, slipping to fifth place in the standings. The team will now look to level the series in the second Test.

Bangladesh also have important assignments against England and South Africa ahead of them in the ongoing championship cycle.

England and Sri Lanka in sixth and seventh positions

England are currently sixth in the WTC standings, with a points percentage of 38.54 from 16 matches. The team has recorded seven victories, eight defeats and one draw.

Sri Lanka occupy seventh place with a points percentage of 33.33.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar