The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 has reached a crucial stage with the conclusion of the New Zealand-England series. Both teams are now officially out of contention for the final, which is set to be held at Lord’s in June 2025. South Africa currently leads the standings, followed by Australia and India, as the race intensifies for a spot in the title clash.
1. South Africa – 63.33% (1st Place)
Remaining Matches: Pakistan (Home, Two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.44%
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South Africa remains at the top of the table following their impressive performances, including a recent 2-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka at home. Their all-round dominance has pushed them into a commanding position for the WTC Final.
The upcoming two Tests at home against Pakistan will be critical. If the Proteas continue their winning momentum, they will solidify their place in the final, regardless of other results.
2. Australia – 60.71% (2nd Place)
Remaining Matches: India (Home, Three Tests), Sri Lanka (Away, Two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 71.05%
Australia, the reigning WTC champions, briefly led the standings but slipped to second following South Africa’s strong run. Their position remains precarious after India levelled the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-1.
With three crucial Tests against India and a tour of Sri Lanka next year, Australia still has control over their qualification chances. A strong finish, even with a 2-2 draw against India, could secure their top-two spot.
3. India – 57.29% (3rd Place)
Remaining Matches: Australia (Away, Three Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 64.04%
India’s campaign in the current WTC cycle has been a rollercoaster. After suffering a 3-0 series defeat at home against New Zealand, they bounced back with a win against Australia in Perth. However, a 10-wicket loss in the second Test pushed them down to third.
India now faces a must-win scenario: they need to claim all three remaining matches against Australia to guarantee qualification for a third consecutive WTC Final.
4. New Zealand – 48.21% (4th Place)
New Zealand’s hopes of reaching the WTC Final ended following their 2-1 series defeat against England. A slow over-rate penalty during the first Test further dented their standings.
Despite a commanding 423-run win in the final Test, the Black Caps finished fourth on the table. Their inconsistent performances, particularly against England, proved costly.
5. Sri Lanka – 45.45% (5th Place)
Remaining Matches: Australia (Home, Two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 53.85%
Sri Lanka showed promise with strong victories against England and New Zealand but suffered a setback with a 2-0 series loss to South Africa. Now positioned fifth, Sri Lanka’s chances of reaching the final are slim. They must win their remaining Tests against Australia and rely on favorable outcomes elsewhere.
6. England – 43.18% (6th Place)
England started the WTC strongly with dominant home performances, but back-to-back defeats in Pakistan ended their chances of qualification.
In their concluding series, England claimed a 2-1 victory over New Zealand, including an emphatic 323-run win in the second Test. However, a heavy 423-run defeat in the final match left them sixth in the standings.
7. Pakistan – 33.33% (7th Place)
Remaining Matches: South Africa (Away, Two Tests), West Indies (Home, Two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 52.38%
Pakistan has seen mixed results under new coach Jason Gillespie but remains mathematically out of the race. Even if they win all four remaining Tests against South Africa and the West Indies, their chances of finishing in the top two are unlikely.
8. Bangladesh – 31.25% (8th Place)
Remaining Matches: None
Best Possible Finish: 31.25%
Bangladesh concluded their WTC campaign on a positive note, defeating the West Indies by 101 runs. Despite a relatively disappointing cycle, the team showed progress with a series sweep over Pakistan and three away victories.
Looking ahead, Bangladesh will aim for greater consistency, particularly in home series, in the next cycle.
9. West Indies – 24.24% (9th Place)
Remaining Matches: Pakistan (Away, Two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 35.90%
The West Indies’ inconsistency has plagued their WTC campaign. A highlight of their cycle was their historic win over Australia in Brisbane, but defeats like the recent 101-run loss to Bangladesh overshadowed their progress.
They now have a chance to finish on a high note with two Tests against Pakistan early in 2025.
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