Australia defeated South Africa by 214 runs on Tuesday, October 13, in the opening Test of their three-match series at Kingsmead, Durban. The world No. 1 Test side set the hosts a fourth-innings target of 421 runs, but South Africa were bowled out for 206, handing Australia a commanding 1-0 series lead.
The victory has consolidated Australia's position at the summit of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings. Pat Cummins' side now hold 81.82 PCT%, having claimed nine wins from 11 matches in the current cycle.
South Africa entered the match in second place on 80 PCT%, but the defeat has pushed them down to third. The 2025 WTC champions have recorded three wins and two losses across five matches in the ongoing cycle, leaving their percentage at 60.00. New Zealand have benefited from South Africa's slide, climbing to second place with 72.22 PCT%.
How did the Durban Test play out?
Australia controlled proceedings at Kingsmead from the outset, building a total that left South Africa needing 421 runs to win in the final innings. The home batting order could not mount a sustained challenge and were dismissed for 206, falling 214 runs short of their target.
Opening batter Aiden Markram was among the few South African batters to show genuine resistance, contributing a fighting half-century in the fourth innings. His effort, however, went in vain as his teammates failed to step up. The lower order offered little support, and Australia wrapped up the win to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Where do New Zealand and India sit in the WTC 2025-27 table?
New Zealand's move to second place sets up a pivotal run of fixtures for the Black Caps. The winners of the first WTC edition are scheduled to host India in a two-match Test series next month, and victories in both matches would substantially strengthen their prospects of finishing in the top two and qualifying for the WTC 2027 final.
The recent head-to-head record between the two teams adds considerable context to that series. When India last toured New Zealand for Tests in 2020, they suffered defeats in both matches. More recently, in October and November 2024, New Zealand travelled to India and won all three Tests, with Rohit Sharma's side unable to halt the Kiwis on home soil.
India currently occupy fifth place in the WTC 2025-27 standings with 51.52 PCT%. Across 11 matches in the ongoing cycle, they have won five, lost four and drawn two. The upcoming New Zealand assignment represents a key opportunity for India to climb the table before the qualification window narrows.
Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table after Australia win 1st Test against South Africa
|
POSITION |
TEAM |
MATCHES |
WINS |
LOSSES |
DRAWS |
PENALTY |
POINTS |
PCT% |
|
1. |
Australia |
11 |
9 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
108 |
81.82 |
|
2. |
New Zealand |
6 |
4 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
52 |
72.22 |
|
3. |
South Africa |
5 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
60.00 |
|
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 |
0 |
30 |
20.83 |
|
9. |
Pakistan |
9 |
2 |
7 |
0 |
19 |
5 |
4.63 |
As of October 13, 2026.
