WTC 2025-27 Points Table: South Africa stunned India by 30 runs on Sunday (November 16) to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, with the Eden Gardens surface once again proving decisive in a low-scoring
thriller. Chasing a modest target of 124, India were bundled out for just 104, handing the visitors their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years.
The defeat also reshaped the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table, pushing India down a spot while elevating South Africa into the top two.
India's chase began poorly in the absence of captain Shubman Gill, who did not bat after sustaining a neck injury on November 15.
The South African attack capitalised immediately. Marco Jansen removed both Indian openers, putting the hosts under severe pressure from the outset. Off-spinner Simon Harmer emerged as the standout performer with four wickets, ripping through India's middle order with sharp turn and control. Keshav Maharaj added two crucial scalps, while part-timer Aiden Markram chipped in by dismissing Washington Sundar, who was India's top scorer in the innings.
| pos | team | played | won | lost | draw | Ded | points | pct |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AUS | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 100.00 |
| 2 | SA | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 24 | 66.67 |
| 3 | SL | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 4 | IND | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 54.17 |
| 5 | PAK | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 50.00 |
| 6 | ENG | 5 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 26 | 43.33 |
| 7 | BAN | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 8 | WI | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
Earlier in the match, South African skipper Temba Bavuma played a pivotal role, remaining unbeaten on 55 in the second innings - the only half-century of the Test. Under his captaincy, South Africa have now won 10 of 11 Tests, including their WTC 2025 triumph. The victory in Kolkata continues their remarkable run of consistency.
With this result, South Africa climbed from fifth to second on the WTC standings, now holding a PCT of 66.67, level with Sri Lanka but ahead on points earned. India, who entered the match in third place, dropped to fourth with 54.17 PCT. Australia remain comfortably on top with a perfect 100 PCT after winning all three Tests in the ongoing cycle.
Pakistan sit fifth with 50 PCT, followed by England, Bangladesh, and the West Indies. New Zealand, the 2021 WTC champions, are yet to feature in the 2025-27 cycle and will begin their campaign next month at home against the West Indies.
South Africa's win has tightened the early WTC race, and with one Test left in the series, India must regroup quickly to avoid falling further behind in the standings.








