New Delhi:The World Test Championship (WTC) witnessed a major upset on Friday (December 12) when New Zealand defeated the West Indies in the Wellington Test, not only winning but also moving straight to third place in the points table.
This victory had the biggest impact on India, which has now slipped to sixth place in the WTC standings. Jacob Duffy’s sharp bowling led New Zealand to victory, and this single result significantly changed the standings.
New Zealand’s first win and jump to third place
This was New Zealand’s first win in this WTC cycle, propelling them from sixth to third in the points table. Their points percentage (PCT) is now 66.67. With one win in two matches, they remain firmly in the race for the 2027 final.
India’s major decline, situation could worsen
India’s PCT has now dropped to 48.15. After nine matches, the team was previously in fifth place, but despite the win against the West Indies, it has now slipped to sixth. If England makes a comeback against Australia in the Ashes, India could drop to seventh place.
If that happens, India will be in a very difficult position by the time the next Test series against Sri Lanka begins in August 2026.
Increased pressure on Gautam Gambhir’s team
India lost 0-2 at home to South Africa in November-the second such loss during Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure. The team’s focus now shifts to the ongoing South Africa T20I series, where both teams are tied 1-1. Three matches remain, and the team needs to regain momentum.
Who is No. 1? A complete state of the points table
Australia is firmly entrenched in first place with five wins from five. South Africa is in second place with 75 PCT. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are fourth and fifth, respectively. India is in sixth place, while England is in seventh, and their dream of reaching the WTC final for the first time looks extremely difficult.
Bangladesh and the West Indies remain at the bottom of the table.
Story Highlights
- New Zealand secured third place in the WTC by winning the Wellington Test.
- India slipped to sixth place with 48.15 PCT, and the situation could worsen.
- India suffered their second 0-2 defeat to South Africa under Gambhir’s coaching.
- Australia remains on top, while England’s hopes of reaching the WTC final are all but over.