WTC Points Table after South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test, 2026

WTC Points Table after South Africa vs Australia 2nd Test, 2026

South Africa Level Test Series with Commanding Innings-and-31-Run Win over Australia

South Africa produced a remarkable turnaround at St George’s Park in Gqeberha, defeating Australia by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test to level the three-match series at 1-1. After losing the opener by more than 200 runs, the Proteas responded with a powerful performance built on Temba Bavuma’s outstanding century, valuable lower-order partnerships and a ruthless bowling display.

The result also reshaped the conversation around the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–2027 points table. Australia remain at the top despite the defeat, while South Africa strengthened their position in third. With the series now tied, the final Test in Cape Town promises to be a significant contest for both the teams and their championship ambitions.

Bavuma’s 179 transforms South Africa’s innings

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl, hoping to exploit the conditions and put South Africa under early pressure. That plan appeared to be working when the hosts slipped to 40 for four. The top order had been dismantled, and Australia seemed poised to take control of the match.

Instead, Bavuma steadied the innings with a composed, determined performance. The South African captain showed patience against the new ball, then capitalised when opportunities arose. His innings of 179 from 334 deliveries was the foundation of a remarkable recovery and one of the defining contributions of the series so far.

Bavuma first combined with Marco Jansen to add 132 runs for the seventh wicket. Jansen contributed a hard-fought 85 from 100 balls, giving the innings momentum and forcing Australia’s bowlers to work through an increasingly stubborn partnership.

The resistance continued after Jansen’s dismissal. Simon Harmer joined Bavuma and helped build an imposing 182-run stand for the eighth wicket. Harmer’s 82 added further weight to the total, while Bavuma continued to occupy the crease and frustrate Australia. From a precarious 40 for four, South Africa ultimately assembled a commanding first-innings score that put the visitors under enormous pressure.

Jansen’s five-wicket haul leaves Australia reeling

Australia’s reply began disastrously. The visitors struggled to cope with South Africa’s attack and were bowled out for just 99, conceding a substantial first-innings lead. Jansen was the chief destroyer, claiming five wickets and ensuring that Australia’s top and middle order had little opportunity to settle.

The collapse meant Australia were asked to follow on. Although the first innings had left them facing a steep challenge, the visitors showed more resolve in their second attempt. Travis Head led the response with an aggressive 121, giving Australia their most substantial contribution of the match and briefly raising hopes of an unlikely escape.

Marnus Labuschagne added 39, but the innings’ most striking act of resistance came from night-watchman Scott Boland. Batting for 166 deliveries, Boland scored 40 and occupied the crease for long stretches, frustrating South Africa’s bowlers across two sessions on the fifth day. His determined stand demonstrated how difficult it can be to finish a Test match, even when one team appears firmly in control.

Wiaan Mulder eventually ended Boland’s resistance with a crucial delivery. Once the night-watchman was out, South Africa moved quickly to remove captain Pat Cummins. Alex Carey made a final effort with 37, but he received too little support from the remaining batters. Australia were dismissed for 295, giving South Africa victory by an innings and 31 runs.

WTC 2025–2027 table: Australia stay first, South Africa remain third

Australia’s heavy defeat did not dislodge them from the top of the WTC standings. After 12 matches, they have recorded nine wins and three losses. Their points percentage has fallen to 75.00%, however, making the final Test against South Africa important as they look to protect their lead and finish the series strongly.

South Africa remain third in the table, despite the victory not lifting them into a higher position. Their points percentage has improved to 66.67%, reflecting the value of a comprehensive home win in the championship race. The result also provides a timely boost after their defeat in the opening Test.

Points percentage, rather than the raw number of points alone, is central to the WTC standings. That measure rewards consistency across a team’s completed matches, so every result can influence the wider championship picture. For South Africa, the Gqeberha victory keeps their campaign on track; for Australia, it is a reminder that even a strong position can be affected by a single emphatic loss.

Cape Town decider sets up a compelling series finish

With the series level at 1-1, the third Test in Cape Town will decide whether South Africa can complete a home comeback or Australia can recover and take the series. The hosts will want to carry forward the confidence gained from their all-round performance, while Australia must find answers to the batting collapse that put them on the back foot in Gqeberha.

Bavuma’s innings has given South Africa a clear example of how patience and partnerships can turn a difficult position into a match-winning one. Jansen’s impact with both bat and ball also underlined the importance of contributions throughout the lineup, rather than relying on one department alone. Australia, meanwhile, can draw some encouragement from Head’s century and Boland’s resilience, but will need greater consistency from the top order.

Prediction: The series decider is likely to be closely contested. South Africa will have the confidence of a dominant win and home conditions on their side, while Australia have the experience and depth to respond. The first innings could prove decisive: if either team can build a substantial total and avoid the kind of collapse seen in Gqeberha, it may gain a crucial advantage in Cape Town.

For now, the second Test belongs to Bavuma and the Proteas. Their recovery from 40 for four, followed by a five-wicket haul from Jansen and disciplined work from the bowling attack, turned a difficult match into a statement victory. The WTC standings remain competitive, and the final Test now carries added significance—not only for the series trophy, but also for each side’s momentum in the 2025–2027 championship cycle.

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