WTC points table 2023-25: Why India with 74 points are first and Australia with 90 points second?

The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table had a brief shakeup over the last two weeks with the conclusion of the India-England and New Zealand-Australia Test series.

On Monday, Australia pulled off a thrilling three-wicket win over New Zealand to seal a 2-0 series win in Christchurch – only their second away series win since 2016. While India cemented their spot at the top of the standings after trumping England 4-1 at home, Australia pushed the Kiwis from the first spot down to third and climbed up to second place with the series clean sweep.

How are India ahead of Australia in the WTC 2023-25 points table?

Australia have played the most matches this cycle – 12 – securing wins in eight matches besides three defeats and one draw. While they originally won 100 points, Australia have lost 10 points due to slow over-rate offenses in the cycle, reducing their tally to 90 points – still the best among all teams.

Meanwhile, India have stacked up six wins in nine matches with a draw and two defeats. The last cycle’s runners-up have 74 points to their name but stand ahead of Australia in the standings due to their stronger points percentage (PCT). According to the playing conditions set by the ICC for the World Test Championship, PCT takes precedence over the total points accumulated in a cycle.

India’s PCT currently stands at 68.51 while Australia have pushed themselves to 62.51 with two wins in New Zealand. The Kiwis, who were in the top spot until recently, has effectively slid to the third spot – their PCT standing at 50 – with three wins and as many losses.

The league-stage matches of the WTC 2023-25 cycle will end in January 2025. The top two teams in the standings will play the final, scheduled to be held at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in June next year.

WTC 2023-25 Points Table update after NZ vs AUS 2nd Test on March 11, 2024

Remaining matches for India, Australia and New Zealand in WTC 2023-25

India remaining WTC 2023-25 fixtures: 2 Tests v Bangladesh at home (Sep-Oct 2024), 3 Tests v New Zealand at home (Oct-Nov 2024), 5 Tests v Australia away (Dec-Jan 2025).

Australia remaining WTC 2023-25 fixtures: 5 Tests v India at home (Dec-Jan 2025), 2 Test v Sri Lanka away (Jan 2025).

New Zealand remaining WTC 2023-25 fixtures: 2 Tests v Sri Lanka away (Sep-Oct 2024), 3 Tests v India away (Oct-Nov 2024), 3 Tests v England at home (Nov-Dec 2024).

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