Australia’s brief reign at the top of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) standings was cut short as South Africa overtook them with a 109-run victory over Sri Lanka. The Proteas fought hard for the win, placing them as front-runners for the WTC25 Final at Lord’s.
After England’s win over New Zealand in Christchurch in the first Test, both teams were penalized three WTC points for maintaining a slow over-rate, and the Black Caps dropped to fifth place in the standings. Their hopes were further dashed following England’s dominating performance in the second Test in Wellington.
Here’s a look at the top teams in the standings:
First – South Africa (63.33% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa’s dominant 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka at home has propelled them to the top of the WTC standings, surpassing Australia. With two crucial home matches against Pakistan ahead, South Africa remains in a strong position to reach the WTC Final.
Second – Australia (60.71% of possible points)
Remaining matches: India (home, three Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 71.05%
Australia has been locked in a tight contest with India for the top spots. Although they briefly regained the top spot after India’s loss to New Zealand, South Africa’s win pushed them back to second. Australia is in a favorable position to finish in the top two, with the Border-Gavaskar series tied at 1-1 and upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka.
Third – India (57.29% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Australia (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.04%
India’s hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive WTC Final were revived after a win over Australia in Perth. However, a loss in the second Test saw them slip to third place. India needs to win all their remaining three matches to secure qualification.
Fourth – New Zealand (48.21% of possible points)
New Zealand’s hopes of making the WTC Final took a significant hit after losses to England. Although they won their final Test against England, New Zealand’s inconsistent form throughout the cycle, combined with slow over-rate penalties, has dashed their hopes of qualification.
Fifth – Sri Lanka (45.45% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Australia (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 53.85%
Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the WTC Final were significantly damaged after their 2-0 loss to South Africa. Despite strong performances in earlier matches, they will need a series of favorable results to remain in contention.
Sixth – England (43.18% of possible points)
England began the WTC season strongly but faltered with losses to Pakistan. Their strong performance in the series against New Zealand temporarily lifted their hopes, but a loss in the final Test saw them finish in sixth place.
Seventh – Pakistan (33.33% of possible points)
Remaining matches: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the WTC Final are slim, despite winning their recent matches. They will need to win all their remaining four Tests but still face an uphill battle to finish in the top two.
Eighth – Bangladesh (31.25% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Nil
Best Possible Finish: 31.25%
Bangladesh’s disappointing WTC campaign ended on a positive note with a win over the West Indies. Although their chances of making the final are long gone, they showed potential with a series sweep over Pakistan earlier in the year.
Ninth – West Indies (24.24% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Pakistan (away, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 35.90%
The West Indies have been plagued by inconsistency throughout the WTC cycle. Despite an early victory over Australia and a recent win over Bangladesh, their chances of making the final are slim, though they will have a chance to finish on a high during their series against Pakistan.
