Huge shake-up in WTC points table as South Africa crushes Australia by an innings and 31 runs

After dropping the opening match of the three-match Test series, hosts South Africa mounted a stellar comeback in the second fixture to defeat Australia by an innings and 31 runs. Played at the venue in Gqeberha, the match saw nearly two days washed out due to rain. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, the African side declared their first innings at a formidable score of 425. In response, the Australian batting lineup collapsed for just 99 runs in their first innings. Forced to follow on, the visitors managed 295 runs in their second essay before being bowled out entirely. This resounding victory has elevated South Africa's standing in the WTC 2025-27 points table, though they remain positioned in the third spot.

The battle for the top two intensifies after the African win

Australia had previously cemented their hold on the number-one position in the WTC 2025-27 points table by winning the first Test, which had pushed South Africa down to third. Following the Gqeberha Test, while the numerical rankings of the top teams remain unchanged, their percentage points have shifted noticeably. Australia retains the top spot, but their points percentage has dropped from 81.82 to 75 percent. Meanwhile, New Zealand holds the second position with a points percentage of 72.22. South Africa, who previously sat at 60 percent following their opening defeat, has now climbed to 66.67 percent. Consequently, the final match of this Test series has grown immensely crucial, as a series-concluding victory for South Africa could potentially cost Australia their coveted number-one ranking.