A maiden World Test Championship title has helped South Africa move up to second in the ICC Test team rankings.
South Africa win first ICC title in 27 years
On June 11, the Proteas took on defending champions Australia in the 2025 World Test Championship final at Lord's. The match appeared to be heading only one way after Australia put up 212, and South Africa were bowled out for 138 in response.
Final, South Africa vs Australia
vs
- Ball by ball Over
In their second innings, Australia eventually recovered from 73-7 to post 207, courtesy an unbeaten 58 from No.9 Mitchell Starc. With 282 required for victory, Aiden Markram's century (136) and captain Temba Bavuma's 66 set the platform before Kyle Verreynne scored the winning runs on the morning of day four to seal South Africa's maiden WTC title, and first senior ICC trophy since 1998.
South Africa overtake England after WTC final win
Not only have South Africa lifted the Test mace, but they have also been rewarded with a rise in the ICC's Test team rankings. Coming into the match, they were ranked third in the world behind Australia and England, with a rating of 111.
A win over Australia, the current No.1 side, is weighted higher than any other win. South Africa gained three rating points from the WTC final, enough to move into second and push England (113) down to third. Australia remain top of the table with a rating of 123.
South Africa's next Test engagement is a two-match tour of Zimbabwe from June 28. England will take on fourth-placed India in five home Tests from June 20, and Australia will travel to the West Indies for three Tests from June 25.
Latest ICC Test team rankings
Position | Team | Matches | Points | Rating |
| 1 | Australia | 26 | 3,200 | 123 |
| 2 | South Africa | 22 | 2,501 | 114 |
| 3 | England | 34 | 3,839 | 113 |
| 4 | India | 27 | 2,837 | 105 |
| 5 | New Zealand | 22 | 2,094 | 95 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 24 | 2,078 | 87 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 22 | 1,705 | 78 |
| 8 | West Indies | 22 | 1,613 | 73 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 24 | 1,487 | 62 |
| 10 | Ireland | 5 | 152 | 30 |
| 11 | Afghanistan | 5 | 104 | 21 |
| 12 | Zimbabwe | 11 | 131 | 12 |
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