December 12, 2025 (Navroze Bureau) ; New Zealand have made a major jump in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 points table, moving ahead of both Pakistan and India following a commanding nine-wicket victory over the West Indies in Wellington. The win not only strengthened New Zealand’s position in the ongoing Test series but also reshaped the WTC standings, adding fresh excitement to an increasingly competitive cycle.
The match at the Basin Reserve proved to be one-sided after New Zealand’s bowlers dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, restricting them to just 128 in their second innings. This left the home side needing only 56 runs to win, a target they chased down with ease. Devon Conway anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 28, supported by Kane Williamson who chipped in with 16 not out. The pair ensured that New Zealand collected maximum points without unnecessary drama.
Under WTC rules, teams are ranked by the percentage of points earned. Because New Zealand had played fewer matches in the cycle compared to India and Pakistan, every win offered them a strong opportunity to leapfrog competitors. The victory boosted their points percentage significantly, pushing them into the top four and above both Asian giants, who had been ahead earlier in the cycle.
For New Zealand, the win also came with important psychological rewards. After drawing the opening Test of the three-match series, the team entered the second Test determined to justify their home advantage. Their bowlers rose to the occasion brilliantly. Seamers kept tight lines throughout the match, while the standout performance came from spinner Jacob Duffy, who picked up a crucial five-wicket haul. His ability to extract turn and bounce on a pitch that traditionally supports pace bowling made a big difference.
New Zealand now have renewed belief in their chances of reaching the WTC Final once again. They famously won the inaugural World Test Championship in 2021 and are aiming to recapture that glory. Their disciplined approach, experienced squad, and strong home conditions make them a serious contender this cycle as well.
Impact on India and Pakistan
Before the latest result, both India and Pakistan held higher positions on the WTC table. India had a solid points base from earlier series, while Pakistan had earned respectable results in their recent fixtures. However, both teams had played more matches than New Zealand, making their points percentage volatile.
India’s schedule in the early phase of the WTC27 cycle has included challenging overseas fixtures, and while they have performed well, their points percentage has fluctuated. Pakistan, meanwhile, have mixed results, including narrow defeats and weather-affected draws that cost them potential points.
New Zealand’s rise above them highlights how crucial consistency is in the WTC format. Even a single win or loss can drastically shift standings, especially for teams with fewer completed matches. The movement also proves that every Test carries weight—making the competition more intense and unpredictable.
The WTC27 Standings Picture
With the recent update triggered by New Zealand’s win, the standings show a clear pattern emerging:
- Australia continue to dominate the table with near-perfect performances.
- South Africa are holding strong in second place.
- New Zealand are now neck-and-neck with Sri Lanka in the next cluster of teams.
- India and Pakistan have slipped marginally but remain firmly in contention.
As is typical in WTC, the early phase standings can shift frequently, especially when teams play uneven numbers of matches. But New Zealand’s upward movement sends a strong signal to competitors: they are ready to challenge seriously for a place in the final.
What’s Next for New Zealand
The final Test of the series against the West Indies begins on December 18 in Mount Maunganui. Although New Zealand already lead 1–0, a win in the third Test would further strengthen their WTC position. Another strong result would push them closer to the top three and put significant pressure on India and Pakistan, who will need to respond with victories in their upcoming fixtures.
New Zealand’s next assignments in the WTC cycle include a mix of home and away series. Success in home conditions is crucial, given their impressive record there. The team’s core—featuring Kane Williamson, Tom Latham, Tim Southee, and Matt Henry—provides both experience and stability. The emergence of new talents in the bowling department adds further depth to their campaign.
What It Means for India and Pakistan
India have a packed Test calendar ahead, including tough series at home and abroad, giving them room to rise again in the standings. Their strong bench strength and spin-friendly home conditions typically help them accumulate points in bunches.
Pakistan’s path is more challenging. They will have to maximize every opportunity, especially in away conditions, where their performances have historically been unpredictable. Yet they remain very much alive in the competition.
A Competitive WTC Cycle Ahead
The WTC27 cycle promises to be one of the tightest yet. New Zealand’s latest rise adds another twist to an already dramatic table. With each team having six series to play—three home and three away—the race is still wide open. But New Zealand’s performance in Wellington has undoubtedly made the tournament more interesting and increased pressure on all major contenders.
Summary
New Zealand jumped ahead of India and Pakistan in the World Test Championship standings after a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies, boosting their points percentage and strengthening their WTC27 qualification hopes.