Cape Town Defeat Shakes Up WTC Table as South Africa Break Into Top Two

The World Test Championship standings have been recalibrated. Australia’s defeat in Cape Town, coupled with West Indies’ victory over Bangladesh in Dhaka, has reshaped the top of the table and widened the gap between the leading three sides and the chasing pack.

New Zealand now sit at the summit with a points percentage of 72.22, having been propelled upwards by Australia’s stumble. South Africa’s series win over Australia lifted them to second on 71.43. Australia, who held the top spot before the South Africa tour with a PCT of 80, have slipped to third on 69.23, out of the top two for the first time in this cycle.

WTC POINTS TABLE 2025-2026

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With 10 Test series among nine teams still to play, no side has yet secured a place in the final. The points percentage system, which awards 12 points for a win, four for a draw and six for a tie, will determine the standings, with PCT calculated as points won divided by points contested, multiplied by 100.

New Zealand’s Run Home

The Black Caps have 10 Tests remaining and 120 points available. Six wins would take them to 64.6 percent, a figure unlikely to suffice. Seven wins and three losses would lift them to 70.83, a strong position for a top-two finish. Their four home fixtures against India and Sri Lanka will be decisive in determining whether they reach a second WTC final.

South Africa’s Advantage

South Africa’s position is enviable. With seven games left and five of them at home, they control much of their own destiny. Clean sweeps against Bangladesh and England would push them past 71.42 percent, which should be sufficient for qualification. Four wins would leave them on 64.28, a total that may fall short.

Australia’s Fate in Their Hands

Despite the slide, Australia retain agency. They need to win at least six of their nine remaining Tests to reach 67.2 percent. A return of four wins with a couple of draws and a split of results would likely keep them in the top two. The challenge is formidable: New Zealand at home and India away in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in early 2027.

India’s Narrow Path

India sit fourth on 51.52 after the Colombo draw. Winning all seven remaining Tests would deliver 70.37, while six wins would produce 65. Five wins and a draw would leave them dependent on other results. A 0-2 loss in New Zealand followed by a 5-0 home sweep of Australia would leave them on 59.26, a figure that might not be enough.

Bangladesh and Sri Lanka’s Hopes

Bangladesh’s defeat in Dhaka has left them fifth on 47.62. They must win all five remaining matches to pass 65 percent. A single further loss would leave them on 61.11, insufficient for a top-two finish. Sri Lanka, on 33.33 from six matches, have seen their dream kept alive by the draw against India. Winning all six remaining Tests would take them to 66.67, which could prove sufficient if other results align.

                                               

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