WTC 2025-27 points table: South Africa drop out of top two after Durban defeat; where does india stand

South Africa has fallen in the WTC rankings (Image: AP) South Africa have slipped to third in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 rankings after a 214-run defeat by Australia in the first Test in Durban. The result strengthened Australia’s position at the top of the table, while New Zealand moved into second place.The defending champions entered the series in second place, but have dropped to third after their second defeat in five games in the current WTC cycle. South Africa now have a points percentage (PCT) of 60.00, while New Zealand are second with 72.22 per cent.Meanwhile, Australia have cemented their position at the summit with nine wins from 11 matches, taking their points percentage to 81.82. Bangladesh and India are ranked fourth and fifth with percentage points of 55.56 and 51.52 respectively.

Updated WTC 2025-27 ranking

Pos.TeamPlayedWonLostDrawDed.PointsPCT (%)1Australia11920010881.822New Zealand641105272.223South Africa532003660.004Bangladesh632104055.565India1154206851.526England16781147438.547Sri Lanka612302433.338West Indies122822393020.852393020PCT: Percentage of Points Earned. Ded.: Points deducted.

Hazlewood, Renshaw power Australia to dominant win in Durban

Australia set up a 214-run victory at Kingsmead after Josh Hazlewood took a career-best 6/49 on the fifth day. Chasing a target of 421, South Africa were bowled out for 206 despite Aiden Markram fighting back with 75 off 237 deliveries and Marco Jansen with 35.Hazlewood broke the hosts’ resistance by dismissing Wiaan Mulder for 29 before removing Jansen and Simon Harmer in the same over. Mitchell Starc then ended Markram’s determined innings while Hazlewood claimed the last wicket by dismissing Anrich Nortje.The foundation of Australia’s victory was laid by Matt Renshaw, who scored a brilliant 190 in the first innings and followed it up with 82 in the second. Australia posted 390 before declaring their second innings at 314/6, setting South Africa a tough target.South Africa managed 284 in their first innings but struggled to maintain their chase on the final day. The defeat also marked Temba Bavuma’s first loss as South Africa’s Test captain.Renshaw was named player of the match for his outstanding contributions with bat and ball. Australia now lead the three-match Test series 1-0.