Key points
- New Zealand lead the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings with 72.22 per cent points percentage after six Tests.
- South Africa are second on 71.43 per cent from seven Tests, just 0.79 percentage points behind New Zealand.
- Australia occupy third place with 69.23 per cent after playing 13 Tests.
- India are fourth with 51.52 per cent from 11 Tests, having won five, lost four and drawn two.
- Bangladesh are fifth on 45.83 per cent, followed by England (38.54), Sri Lanka (33.33), West Indies (27.38) and Pakistan (4.63).
- The top two teams in the league standings will qualify for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
New Zealand lead the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 72.22, holding a narrow advantage over South Africa and Australia. India are placed fourth on 51.52 per cent in the latest table published by the International Cricket Council, while Bangladesh occupy fifth place.
The standings underline a close contest at the top of the cycle. New Zealand's lead over second-placed South Africa is less than one percentage point, while Australia remain within striking distance in third. The top two teams when the league phase concludes will qualify for the 2027 World Test Championship final.
New Zealand hold narrow lead over South Africa
New Zealand have collected 52 points from six Tests and sit at 72.22 per cent. Their record of four wins, one defeat and one draw has put them at the top of the table. South Africa are close behind with 60 points from seven matches and a points percentage of 71.43.
Australia are third with 108 points from 13 Tests and a percentage of 69.23. The three leading teams have built a gap over the rest of the field, but the standings remain subject to change as the cycle continues and teams play their remaining fixtures.
The margin between New Zealand and South Africa is just 0.79 percentage points. That makes every result important in the race for a place in the final, particularly for teams that have played fewer matches and still have opportunities to improve their percentage.
India sit fourth with 51.52 per cent
India are fourth in the standings with 68 points from 11 Tests. Their record in the table is five wins, four defeats and two draws, giving them a points percentage of 51.52. The gap to Australia in third is 17.71 percentage points, while India are 5.69 points ahead of Bangladesh in fifth.
India remain in the group of teams with a mathematical route to the top two, but will need a strong run in their remaining fixtures and favourable results elsewhere. The standings are calculated using the percentage of available points won, rather than simply ranking teams by their accumulated points.
Bangladesh are fifth with 44 points from eight Tests and a percentage of 45.83. England are sixth on 38.54 per cent, Sri Lanka seventh on 33.33, West Indies eighth on 27.38 and Pakistan ninth on 4.63.
Points percentage determines the table
The World Test Championship uses a points percentage system to rank teams because each side may play a different number of Tests during the league phase. A team's percentage reflects the points it has won relative to the points available in the matches it has played.
The ICC points system awards 12 points for a Test win, six for a tie and four for a draw. A defeat earns no points. Deductions for slow over-rates can also affect a team's position, which is reflected in the official table.
England illustrate why total points alone do not determine the ranking. They have 74 points, more than India and Bangladesh, but their 38.54 percentage places them sixth after 16 Tests. The table lists 14 points deducted from England. Pakistan have five points and a percentage of 4.63 after deductions totalling 19 points.
Race for the 2027 final remains open
The two teams finishing at the top of the league table will progress to the 2027 World Test Championship final. New Zealand, South Africa and Australia currently occupy the leading positions, with India fourth and seeking to close the gap during the remainder of the cycle.
The latest standings provide a snapshot of the competition rather than a final assessment. With matches still to be played, the order can change through wins, draws, defeats and points deductions. The narrow gap between the top two makes the next phase particularly important for New Zealand and South Africa.
For India, the immediate task is to improve their points percentage and put pressure on the three teams above them. The 51.52 figure keeps them fourth in the current table, but the route to the final will depend on their own results as well as the outcomes of matches involving their rivals.
Frequently asked questions
Who is leading the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings?
New Zealand are top of the 2025-27 ICC World Test Championship table with a points percentage of 72.22 from six Tests. South Africa are second on 71.43 per cent, while Australia occupy third place with 69.23 per cent.
What position is India in the World Test Championship table?
India are fourth in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings with a points percentage of 51.52. The team has played 11 Tests, winning five, losing four and drawing two, according to the ICC standings.
What is the points percentage of South Africa and Australia?
South Africa are second with 71.43 per cent from seven Tests, while Australia are third with 69.23 per cent from 13 Tests. The gap between the two sides is 2.20 percentage points in the standings.
Which teams qualify for the World Test Championship final?
The top two teams in the World Test Championship league standings qualify for the final. The 2025-27 cycle will conclude with the two highest-ranked sides competing for the title in 2027.
Why are England sixth despite having 74 points?
The World Test Championship ranks teams by points percentage rather than total points alone. England have 74 points from 16 Tests but sit sixth with a 38.54 per cent rate; the ICC table also lists 14 points deducted.