ICC WTC rankings: South Africa moves up to second spot

After defeating India by 30 runs in the opening Test at Eden Gardens, South Africa moved up to second place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings for the 2025–27 cycle. Additionally, it was South Africa’s first Test victory in India since 2010. With 24 points and a PCT of 66.67, South Africa has moved up from fourth to second position, trailing leaders Australia. With a PCT of 54.17, India fell to fourth place and Sri Lanka to third. India stumbled in their chase of 124 and were bowled out for 93, with regular skipper Shubman Gill absent owing to a neck injury. Keshav Maharaj’s twin strike and Marco Jansen’s removal of both openers were also crucial in deceiving India. Harmer, who had taken 4-30 in the first innings, hit crucial blows in the second innings to pick 4-21.