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New Zealand surged to third in WTC 2025-27 standings after dominating West Indies in second Test. The Black Caps’ nine-wicket victory at Wellington’s Basin Reserve propelled them past India and Pakistan, tying Sri Lanka at 66.67% points percentage.
New Zealand’s dominance seal an unassailable lead over West Indies
New Zealand claimed a commanding 1-0 lead in the three-match series against West Indies following the second Test’s emphatic win on December 14, 2025. West Indies batted first and folded for 205, with Shai Hope top-scoring on 47, before New Zealand declared at 278 for nine, powered by half-centuries from Devon Conway (60) and Mitchell Hay (61). In the decisive second innings, West Indies crumbled to 128 all out, as seamer Jacob Duffy claimed player-of-the-match honours with a fiery 5-38 spell at an economy of 2.19, while Michael Rae chipped in with three wickets. Chasing just 56, Conway (28*) and Kane Williamson (16*) steered New Zealand home effortlessly, losing only skipper Tom Latham early.
The first Test at Christchurch ended in a gritty draw, highlighted by West Indies’ Justin Greaves‘ heroic 202 in the fourth innings to rescue his side from defeat. New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Duffy’s heroics, exposed West Indies’ batting frailties on a Basin Reserve pitch offering seam movement, marking a stark turnaround from the opener’s shared spoils.
Also READ: Fans erupt as clinical New Zealand thrash West Indies in the second Test to take 1-0 lead
Updated WTC standings and top contenders
Australia lead the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 table unbeaten with five wins from five matches, boasting a perfect 100% points percentage and 60 points. South Africa hold second at 75% after three victories in four games, including a series triumph over India. New Zealand and Sri Lanka share third on 66.67% (16 points from two matches each: one win, one draw), ahead of Pakistan (50%, 12 points from two).
| Pos | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | PCT |
| 1 | Australia | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 100.00% |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 75.00% |
| 3 | New Zealand | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 66.67% |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 16 | 66.67% |
| 5 | Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 | 50.00% |
| 6 | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 48.15% |
India languish at 48.15% despite nine matches, while West Indies prop up the table at 4.76% from seven games (six losses, one draw). A win in the third Test (December 18-22 at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval) could vault New Zealand to second, bolstering their bid for another WTC final appearance. Australia and South Africa remain frontrunners, but the cycle’s competitiveness keeps the race wide open.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
