South Africa defeated Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the 2nd Test at St George's Park, Gqeberha on October 22, 2026, levelling the three-match series at 1-1. The result has triggered a notable reshuffle in the World Test Championship 2025-27 points table.

Temba Bavuma's side, the defending WTC champions, had gone into this match a game down after losing the opening Test. Their position looked precarious when the hosts slipped to 110 for 6 inside the first 50 overs of their first innings, yet they recovered to post a total that ultimately proved more than sufficient for a comprehensive innings victory.

The win moved South Africa up the WTC 2025-27 standings and narrowed the gap at the top of the table, with Australia's percentage points taking a significant hit from the defeat.

How has the WTC 2025-27 points table changed after the 2nd Test?

Australia retain first position on the WTC 2025-27 table, but their PCT has fallen from 81.82 to 75.00 as a direct consequence of the Gqeberha defeat. New Zealand continue to occupy second place with a PCT of 72.22, keeping them firmly between Australia and the chasing pack.

South Africa's innings victory lifted their PCT from 60.00 to 66.67, moving them into third position. The gap between Australia at the summit and South Africa in third now stands at 8.33 percentage points, making the top of the table considerably tighter than it was before this match.

Bangladesh are placed fourth and India fifth, with both sides holding a PCT above 50. England, Sri Lanka, West Indies and Pakistan occupy sixth through ninth and are currently outside contention for the 2027 WTC final.

What is at stake in the 3rd Test between South Africa and Australia?

With the series locked at 1-1, the third and final Test will serve as both a series decider and a significant WTC 2025-27 points contest. The outcome will directly affect the PCT figures of both sides and could alter the order at the top of the standings.

A South Africa victory in the decider would see the defending champions take the series and add further WTC points, consolidating or improving their third-place standing. Australia, despite leading the table, will be aware that another defeat could allow New Zealand and South Africa to close the gap further.

The series has already demonstrated how quickly the WTC 2025-27 standings can shift. South Africa entered the 2nd Test in fourth place and exit it in third, while Australia have seen their PCT drop by 6.82 points across a single result. Both teams will head into the decider knowing that the WTC 2027 final picture at the top of the table remains far from settled.

Updated WTC 2025-27 Points Table after SA vs AUS 2nd Test in Gqeberha