ICC World Test Championship points table (updated) as of October 22 after SA vs AUS 2026 2nd Test

South Africa scripted a historic win by an innings and 31 runs in the rain-curtailed second Test against Australia at St.George's Park in Gqeberha to level the three-match series, 1-1. The Proteas staged an incredible comeback after the initial phase of the contest was washed out due to inclement weather. They managed to bowl out the visitors twice inside 150 overs to close in on the second spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings.

South Africa recovered from 110-6 to post 425-9 in the first innings after a gritty hundred by captain Temba Bavuma and lower-order resistance from Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, who both scored fifties.

The pace bowling all-rounder shone with the ball as well, picking up a fifer to bundle out Australia for 99 in 42.3 overs. After enforcing the follow-on, Travis Head led the visitors' fightback with a brilliant hundred but lacked support. Scott Boland put in a serious night watchman shift, batting out 166 deliveries, but it proved to be in vain as the team was bowled out for 295, early into the final session of the match.

The top-ranked Australia, who came into the contest with a win percentage of 81.82 after the series opener win in Durban, are still placed at the top. However, their win percentage drops to 75.00 after their third defeat in the cycle.

On the other hand, South Africa were out of the top two after the loss in the first Test. They are still placed third after the historic win in the second Test, but close in on the second-placed New Zealand, with an improved win percentage of 66.67, a massive jump from 60.00.

New Zealand will soon face the fifth-placed India in a two-match home series, beginning on November 19. The series result will play a huge role in how the table is setup heading into 2027.

Australia and South Africa to face each other in the Test series finale in Cape Town

With the series level at 1-1, the two heavyweights will settle things in the series decider at the iconic Newlands in Cape Town from Tuesday, October 27 onwards.

The last time these two sides met at the venue, the Proteas recorded a stunning 322-run win. It also marks the place where Australia were involved in the infamous ball-tampering scandal, which led to some serious ramifications.

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