New Zealand strengthened their push for a place in the 2027 ICC World Test Championship Final after defeating England by 160 runs in the third Test at Trent Bridge to seal a memorable 2-1 series victory.
The Black Caps successfully defended a target of 373 on the final day, bowling England out for 212. Zak Foulkes starred with three wickets, while Nathan Smith and Mitchell Santner chipped in with two apiece to complete only New Zealand's fourth-ever Test series win on English soil.
The victory significantly boosted New Zealand's standing in the World Test Championship table, while England's hopes suffered another major setback.
Updated World Test Championship 2025-27 points table
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 84 | 87.50 |
| 2 | South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 36 | 75.00 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 72.22 |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 28 | 58.33 |
| 5 | India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 44.44 |
| 7 | England | 13 | 4 | 8 | 1 | 38 | 24.36 |
| 8 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 7 | 1 | 16 | 14.81 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 8.33 |
How New Zealand's win changed the standings
New Zealand's series-clinching victory lifted their points percentage (PCT) to 72.22, consolidating third place in the standings
and keeping them firmly in contention for a place in next year's World Test Championship final.
Australia continue to lead the table with a PCT of 87.50 after winning seven of their opening eight Tests, while reigning champions South Africa remain second on 75.00.
India occupy fifth place with a PCT of 48.15, trailing Bangladesh despite both teams being in the middle of their respective campaigns.
England, meanwhile, stayed seventh despite playing the most matches of any team in the cycle. Ben Stokes' side now have a PCT of just 24.36 after eight defeats in 13 Tests.
New Zealand secure rare series triumph in England
The result also marked a significant milestone for New Zealand.
It was only the fourth time the Black Caps have won a Test series in England, following previous triumphs in 1986, 1999 and 2021.
England resumed the final day hoping Joe Root and Emilio Gay could engineer an unlikely chase, but both batters departed in the fourth over of the morning session.
Jamie Smith fought back with a valiant 60, adding 75 runs with Gus Atkinson for the seventh wicket, but Mitchell Santner dismissed Atkinson before New Zealand wrapped up the remaining wickets shortly after lunch.
The victory keeps New Zealand firmly in the race for the World Test Championship final, while England now face an uphill battle to revive their campaign.
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