Australia, in a thrilling World Test Championship (WTC) match, defeated New Zealand by three wickets at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Monday (March 11). Chasing the challenging target of 279 to clinch the series 2-0, Australia secured victory with an unbeaten 61-run partnership for the eighth wicket between Alex Carey (98) and Pat Cummins (32), alongside Mitchell Marsh, who contributed with a well-made 80.
WTC 2023-2025 points table shuffle: Australia at second spot
Following this three-wicket win against New Zealand, Australia replaced the hosts at the second position of the WTC points table. This marked Australia’s eighth win from 12 matches in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Despite losing three matches and drawing one, they accumulated a total of 90 points. Australia’s Percentage of Points (PCT) grew from 58.09 to 62.50, propelling them to the second spot.
India on top of the ladder
The defending champions, Australia, trail table-toppers, India, having a PCT of 68.51 after defeating England 4-1 at home. With six wins and a draw from nine matches, India have currently accumulated 74 points.
Also READ: Cricket world erupts as India thrash England in Dharamsala Test to clinch the series 4-1
India sustains leadership despite lower points tally than Australia
While Australia originally won 100 points, Australia lost 10 points due to slow over-rate offenses in the cycle, reducing their tally to 90 points, still the best among all teams. Meanwhile, India have stacked up six wins in nine matches with a draw and two defeats. The last cycle’s runners-up have 74 points but stand ahead of Australia in the standings due to their stronger PCT. According to the playing conditions set by the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the WTC, PCT takes precedence over the total points accumulated in a cycle.
WTC standings overview: England’s slide and New Zealand’s adjustment
England are at the 8th position following the loss against India with 17.5 percentage points. For New Zealand, the loss meant a drop in their PCT. At 50, they are now third on the table, just below their trans-Tasman rivals. They have played six matches in this WTC cycle so far, winning and losing three matches each.
Upcoming WTC final and conclusion of league stage
So far in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, Australia has played the most number of matches (12), while bottom-ranked Sri Lanka and fourth-placed Bangladesh have played the fewest (2). The league-stage matches of the WTC 2023-25 cycle will end in February 2025. The top two teams in the standings will play the final, scheduled to be held at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in June next year.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Alex Carey, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Marsh lead Australia to a series whitewash over New Zealand
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