India has ascended to the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship Points Table (WTC) following a seven-wicket victory against South Africa on Thursday (January 4).
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj's outstanding bowling displays contributed to India securing their maiden Test win at Newlands.
Thanks to this triumph, India levelled the two-match Test series against South Africa at 1-1, with both teams earning 12 points each from the series. India's surge from sixth to first place came after their win in the Newlands Test match.
India currently holds a points percentage of 54.17 after four matches. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, the team has achieved two wins, a loss, and a draw in four games. Meanwhile, South Africa has plummeted from the top spot to fifth in the ICC World Test Championship points table, with their points percentage dropping from 100 to 50.
New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh also boast a 50% points tally. The bottom four teams in the standings are Pakistan, West Indies, England, and Sri Lanka.
Australia stands poised to potentially claim the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table. The ongoing third Test of the Australia vs Pakistan series in Sydney could propel Australia to the summit should they triumph. Their points percentage would rise from 50 to 56.25.
Having won the initial two Tests against Pakistan, Australia is anticipated to continue their dominance in the New Year's Test match in Sydney. At the conclusion of the second day's play, Australia trails by 197 runs in the first innings, with eight wickets in hand.
Should the third Test between Australia and Pakistan culminate in a draw, Australia would slip to fifth place, with their points percentage decreasing to 47.92.
If Pakistan loses or draws, they will maintain their sixth position, but a victory could propel them to the number one spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table.
Remember, Test cricket witnessed history after the second Test match between South Africa and India ended in just 642 balls (107 overs).
Previously, the Test between Australia and South Africa in 1932 ended in 656 balls (109.2 overs).
Shortest Test match with a result (In terms of balls)
642 balls - India beat South Africa by seven wickets (2023; Cape Town)
656 balls - Australia beat South Africa by an innings and 72 runs (1932; Melbourne)
672 balls - England beat West Indies by four wickets (1935; Bridgetown)
788 balls - England beat Australia by an innings and 21 runs (1888; Manchester)
792 balls - Australia beat England by 61 runs (1888; Lord’s)