Australia strengthened their grip on the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with a commanding 214-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test at Durban. The result pushed the hosts down to third place, while New Zealand moved into second.
Australia now lead the table with nine wins from 11 matches and a points percentage of 81.82, extending their advantage in the cycle. New Zealand’s rise to 72.22 per cent comes after South Africa’s second loss in five fixtures, which dropped their points percentage to 60.00. Bangladesh and India occupy fourth and fifth places respectively, with 55.56 and 51.52 per cent.
The dominant performance at Kingsmead was powered by Josh Hazlewood, who recorded career-best figures of 6 for 49 on the fifth day. South Africa had set a daunting target of 421 but were bowled out for 206 as Hazlewood dismantled the tail. His spell included wickets of Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, and Anrich Nortje.
Earlier in the match, Australia established control through the bat of Matt Renshaw. His 190 in the first innings provided a strong platform, followed by a second innings score of 82 as Australia declared at 314 for 6. South Africa managed 284 in their first innings but struggled to maintain momentum in the chase.
Aiden Markram stood out with a battling 75 off 237 balls, showing resilience amid the collapse. However, once Hazlewood removed Jansen and Harmer in the same over and Mitchell Starc ended Markram’s innings, the hosts were unable to close the gap.
The defeat marked the first loss for Temba Bavuma as South Africa’s Test captain. Australia’s win puts them 1-0 ahead in the three-match series, with their confidence bolstered by this comprehensive performance.
The latest standings reflect the shifting balance in the championship. South Africa’s drop to third has intensified competition for the top two places, which guarantee a spot in the WTC final. Australia’s nine victories from 11 matches underline their consistency, while New Zealand’s fewer fixtures have nonetheless yielded strong results.
England, Sri Lanka, West Indies, and Pakistan fill out the lower positions, with points percentages ranging from 38.54 down to 4.63. England has played 16 matches but has only just over a third of points earned, while Pakistan’s nine matches have yielded the lowest percentage.
With two Tests remaining between Australia and South Africa on this tour, the hosts face a challenging task to reverse their fortunes and reclaim a higher standing in the championship. The next match will be crucial in determining whether South Africa can halt Australia’s momentum and keep their hopes alive in the WTC race.
According to Yahoo Sports.
