South Africa moved closer to the top two after securing an innings victory over Australia in the second Test at Gqeberha on Thursday.
The result kept South Africa third in the standings but lifted its points tally from 36 to 48. Its points percentage (PCT) also rose from 60 to 66.67. Australia, despite the defeat, remained on top with a PCT of 75.
South Africa has won four of its six Tests in the current cycle, while Australia has won nine of 12. A victory in the series decider in Cape Town, scheduled for October 27 to 31, would take South Africa’s PCT to 71.42 and propel it to the top two of the standings. Australia, meanwhile, risks slipping out of the top three if it loses the final Test.
New Zealand, currently second with a PCT of 72.22, faces India in the first Test in Wellington from November 19 to 23.
ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 Points Table
| Team | Matches | Win | Loss | Draw | Points Deduction | Points | PCT |
| 1. Australia | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 75 |
| 2. New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 3. South Africa | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 66.67 |
| 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 |
(Updated till South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test in Ggeberha)
Published on Oct 23, 2026
