ICC WTC Points Table: The Indian cricket team claimed the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table on Sunday (March 3). India's ascent occurred following Australia's triumph over New Zealand in the 1st Test of their two-match series.
Australia's commanding victory by 172 runs against New Zealand in the first Test of NZ vs AUS two-match Test series facilitated India's ascent to the No. 1 position in ICC WTC points table, boasting a 64.58% PCT (%).
Check below updated ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table after AUS vs NZ 1st Test in Wellington
| Rank | TEAM | MATCHES | WON | LOSS | DRAW | POINTS ACHIEVED | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | India | 8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 62 | 64.58 |
| 2. | New Zealand | 5 | 3 | 2 | - | 36 | 60 |
| 3. | Australia | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 78 | 59.09 |
| 4. | Bangladesh | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | 12 | 50 |
| 5. | Pakistan | 5 | 2 | 3 | - | 22 | 36.66 |
| 6. | West Indies | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 16 | 33.33 |
| 7. | South Africa | 4 | 1 | 3 | - | 12 | 25 |
| 8. | England | 9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 21 | 19.44 |
| 9. | Sri Lanka | 2 | - | 2 | - | - | - |
Australia beat New Zealand by 172 runs in NZ vs AUS 1st Test
Australia, led by Cameron Green's impressive 174 not out, scored 383 runs in their first innings, while Matt Henry took 5 wickets for New Zealand.
In reply, New Zealand struggled, scoring 179 runs in their first innings, with Phillips being the top scorer with 71 runs, while Australia's Lyon took 4 wickets for 43 runs.
In their second innings, Australia managed 164 runs with Nathan Lyon contributing 41; New Zealand's Glenn Phillips took 5 wickets for 45 runs.
Chasing a target of 369 on day 4, New Zealand posted 196 runs, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 59. For Australia, Lyon claimed 6 wickets for 65 runs. Eventually, Australia clinched victory by 172 runs.
Nathan Lyon emerged as the hero for Australia. Lyon's exceptional performance yielded a remarkable 10-wicket haul, taking 6 wickets for 65 runs in the first innings and 4 wickets for 43 runs in the second innings. His achievement marks the first instance of a spinner securing a 10-wicket haul in New Zealand since 2006.
Here's how India can maintain number 1 position in WTC Points Table
India are poised to retain the top spot in the ICC WTC Points Table if they secure a victory against England in the fifth and final Test of the IND vs ENG series, scheduled to commence in Dharamsala from March 7 onwards. However, if IND vs ENG 5th Test ends in a draw or if England emerge victorious, it opens the door for both Australia and New Zealand to potentially overtake India as table-toppers in the WTC 2023-25 points table.
Furthermore, NZ vs AUS 2nd Test is slated to begin on Friday, March 8, in Christchurch.