WTC points table update as New Zealand thumps England

New Zealand claimed a dominant 423-run victory over England in the final match of their three-match Test series on Tuesday at Seddon Park, Hamilton. Chasing a target of 658 runs, England's hopes of completing a clean sweep were dashed as they were bowled out for 234 after lunch on day four.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, who was struggling with a left hamstring injury, did not bat in the second innings, adding to his team's difficulties. This defeat marked England’s fourth-worst loss by runs in their Test cricket history.

The victory also became significant for New Zealand as it was their largest win by runs in Test cricket.

In the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, South Africa leads with a PCT of 63.33%, having played 10 matches, winning six, losing three, and drawing one. Australia is in second place with a PCT of 60.71%, having secured nine wins from 14 matches. India follows in third with a PCT of 57.29% after 16 matches, winning nine, losing six, and drawing one.

New Zealand is fourth with a PCT of 48.21%, having earned seven wins from 14 matches. Sri Lanka ranks fifth with a PCT of 45.45%, winning five of 11 matches. England sits in sixth place with a PCT of 43.18%, despite winning their recent series 2-1, after playing 22 matches, winning 11 and losing 10.

Pakistan is in seventh with a PCT of 33.33% after 10 matches, winning four and losing six, while Bangladesh follows in eighth with a PCT of 31.25%, having won four of their 12 matches. The West Indies round out the bottom in ninth place with a PCT of 24.24%, having won just two of 11 matches.