Updated WTC Table: New Zealand moved to top after win against South Africa; India and Australia slipped down

The first test between New Zealand and South Africa at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui was in the favour of the hosts. New Zealand set a massive target of 529 runs for the inexperienced South African side, and the visitors ended up scoring only 247 runs. As a result, the Black Caps won the game by a big margin of 281 runs to take a 1-0 unassailable lead in the two-match series.

This was also crucial for New Zealand, as they don’t have great numbers against South Africa in the longest format. But this match has now not only helped New Zealand, but the result has also been effective for some other teams as well. With this win, the Black Caps have moved to the top of the table in the ongoing World Test Championship 2023-25.

India slipped to No. 3 in the World Test Championship (WTC 2023-25) table

Notably, this was the second win for New Zealand in the current WTC cycle, and they are not at the top with 66.66 percent. They have won two out of three matches so far. New Zealand is expected to beat South Africa in the second test as well, which will firm their place at the top. Meanwhile, Australia is in second place with 55 percent.

The loss in the first test against England shook India’s chances. They slipped to fifth place. However, the Indian team went on to beat England in the second test and gain some points. With three wins out of six matches, India is currently in third place with 52.77 percent. They need to win at least two of the three remaining matches against England to improve their current rankings.

However, if they can win all three matches, that will be the best. Notably, India qualified for the WTC final two consecutive times but ended up losing. They lost to New Zealand in the WTC 2021 and then to Australia last year. India will be playing a total of 17 tests in the current WTC cycle and will be eyeing a qualification to the final. Bangladesh and Pakistan are in fourth and fifth place, respectively, while South Africa slipped to sixth.