South Africa dropped in WTC rankings (Image: AP)
South Africa have slipped to third place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings following their 214-run defeat to Australia in the first Test at Durban. The result has strengthened Australia's position at the top of the table, while New Zealand have moved into second place.The defending champions entered the series in second place but dropped to third after suffering their second defeat in five matches in the current WTC cycle. South Africa now have a points percentage (PCT) of 60.00, while New Zealand sit second with 72.22 per cent.Australia, meanwhile, consolidated their position at the summit with nine wins from 11 matches, taking their points percentage to 81.82. Bangladesh and India occupy fourth and fifth places, respectively, with points percentages of 55.56 and 51.52.
Updated WTC 2025-27 standings
| Pos. | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Ded. | 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 | 2 | 30 | 20.83 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 9 | 2 | 7 | 0 | 19 | 5 | 4.63 |
PCT: Percentage of points earned. Ded.: Points deducted.
Hazlewood, Renshaw power Australia to dominant Durban victory
Australia secured the 214-run win at Kingsmead after Josh Hazlewood produced a career-best performance of 6/49 on the fifth day. South Africa, chasing a target of 421, were bowled out for 206 despite Aiden Markram's fighting 75 off 237 deliveries and Marco Jansen's 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 final wicket by dismissing Anrich Nortje.The foundation for Australia's victory was laid by Matt Renshaw, who scored a magnificent 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 challenging target.South Africa had managed 284 in their first innings but struggled to sustain 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 the bat and ball. Australia now lead the three-match Test series 1-0.