In a dominant finish to their home summer Test series, New Zealand crushed West Indies by 323 runs in the third Test at Mount Maunganui on December 22,
2025, sealing a 2-0 series victory.
The Black Caps had already secured a nine-wicket win in the second Test in Wellington, powered by Jacob Duffy's five-wicket haul, while the opening Test in Christchurch ended in a hard-fought draw thanks to West Indies' resilient lower-order batting led by Justin Greaves' unbeaten double-century.
Devon Conway and Tom Latham's twin centuries in the decider highlighted New Zealand's batting prowess, setting an imposing target before their bowlers, including Duffy and Ajaz Patel, dismantled the visitors. The win propelled New Zealand to second in the 2025-27 World Test Championship standings, underscoring their resurgence under captain Tom Latham amid injury challenges.
Meanwhile, across the Tasman, Australia retained the Ashes with an unassailable 3-0 lead after an 82-run victory in the third Test at Adelaide Oval. Pat Cummins' side outclassed England in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, showcasing superior execution despite setbacks like injuries to key players. Travis Head and Alex Carey's aggressive batting, combined with relentless bowling from Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, proved decisive.
WTC 2025-27 Standings
With the victories in recent matches, the two nations down under continue their excellent outing in this edition of World Test Championship. The Kiwis have also eclipsed South Africa and occupy the second spot in the rankings.
Australia remain on top with a 100 per cent winning rate in the WTC this season. New Zealand are currently occupying the 2nd spot with a PCT of 77.78. India, after their recent struggles, languishes in the 6th place with a PCT of 48.15. West Indies, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the points table.
WTC Points Table after New Zealand beat West Indies
| Teams | M | W | L | T | D | N/R | PT | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Australia | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 100.00 |
| 2. New Zealand | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 28 | 77.78 |
| 3. South Africa | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 75.00 |
| 4. Sri Lanka | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 16 | 66.67 |
| 5. Pakistan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 50.00 |
| 6. India | 9 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 52 | 48.15 |
| 7. England | 8 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 27.08 |
| 8. Bangladesh | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 16.67 |
| 9. West Indies | 8 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4.17 |
