South Africa have hit back hard in the second Test against Australia, winning by an innings and 31 runs to level the three-match series at 1-1. The Proteas had lost the opening Test by more than 200 runs, so this was a serious response from a team that looked down and out just one match ago.
The win does more than square the series. It also shakes up the conversation around the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings, where Australia still sit on top, New Zealand are second, and South Africa hold third place.
WTC 2025-27 Points Table: Where Teams Stand After South Africa's Win
The result in the second Test has brought fresh attention to the WTC 2025-27 points table. Here is how the top three look after South Africa's victory over Australia:
- Australia — still at the top of the WTC 2025-27 standings
- New Zealand — sitting in second place
- South Africa — holding third place after their innings win
The standings matter because every Test result in this cycle counts toward a place in the WTC final. South Africa's big win keeps them firmly in the race, while Australia's lead at the top takes a hit even though they remain in front.
How South Africa Turned the Series Around
The first Test was a one-sided affair. South Africa lost by more than 200 runs, and questions were already being asked about whether they could compete with Australia at all in this series.
The second Test answered those questions. An innings-and-31-run win is about as complete a performance as a team can deliver, and it came exactly when South Africa needed it most. Instead of folding after a heavy defeat, the Proteas came back with a commanding all-round display.
The series now heads to Cape Town for the decisive third Test, with everything to play for. A series win over Australia would be a major statement for South Africa, both in the series itself and in the WTC 2025-27 race.
Our Take: This Win Means More Than Just a Series Level
To put it plainly, South Africa's comeback says a lot about the team's character. Losing by over 200 runs and then winning by an innings in the very next match is not easy. It shows the players did not let the first defeat break them.
In our view, the WTC table is now the most interesting part of this series. Australia remain on top, but their grip looks less secure after this result. New Zealand sitting second shows how tight the race is. And South Africa in third, with a chance to win a series against the top team, is a real threat to everyone above them.
For readers following the WTC 2025-27 cycle, the message is simple: do not count South Africa out. If they carry this form into Cape Town, the top of the table could look very different soon. The final Test is now the one to watch.
