New Zealand cricket team after England win [Source: X]
The ICC updated the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table following the conclusion of the third and final Test between England and New Zealand at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.
Heading into the decider with the series level at 1-1, both sides had an opportunity to strengthen their position in the race for the WTC final.
New Zealand grabbed the initiative through magnificent centuries from Tom Latham and Devon Conway before England fought back to stay in the contest.
However, the visitors once again dominated the crucial moments of the game, setting England a challenging 373-run target in the fourth innings.
New Zealand Clinch Series 2-1 To End Ben Stokes Era
Despite a fighting effort from Jamie Smith, England were bowled out for just 212 as New Zealand registered a comprehensive 160-run victory to clinch the three-match series 2-1.
New Zealand's victory also resulted in significant points changes to the latest ICC World Test Championship standings.
Updated WTC Table after New Zealand’s win over England
Ranking
Team
Played
Won
Lost
Draw
Points
1
Australia
8
7
1
0
84
2
South Africa
4
3
1
0
36
3
New Zealand
6
4
1
1
52
4
Bangladesh
4
2
1
1
28
5
India
9
4
4
1
52
6
Sri Lanka
3
1
1
1
16
7
England
13
4
8
1
38
8
West Indies
9
1
7
1
16
9
Pakistan
4
1
3
0
4
As mentioned above, New Zealand's series-clinching victory significantly boosted their World Test Championship campaign. The Black Caps climbed from a PCT of 66.67 to 72.22 after registering their fourth win in six matches.
Australia continue to lead the standings comfortably with a PCT of 87.50, while South Africa remain second with 75.00 despite not being in action.
England, meanwhile, suffered another setback in the WTC race. Ben Stokes' side remain seventh, but their PCT slipped from 26.39 to 24.36 after losing their eighth Test of the current cycle. India retained the fifth spot with 48.15, while Bangladesh stayed fourth with 58.33.
New Zealand tighten grip on WTC final race
New Zealand have firmly established themselves as one of the strongest contenders for the World Test Championship final after winning four of their six matches in the ongoing cycle.
Australia continue to occupy the summit of the table, while South Africa remain close behind despite having played only four Tests.
Bangladesh have also impressed with two wins in four matches to hold fourth place, whereas India will need a strong run in their remaining fixtures to revive their qualification hopes.
England's chances, however, have taken another major hit following the home series defeat, while West Indies and Pakistan remain at the bottom of the standings.
England vs New Zealand 3rd Test Match Summary
New Zealand laid the foundation for victory with a mammoth first-innings total of 438 after Tom Latham (151) and Devon Conway (157) stitched together a stunning 317-run opening partnership. Ben Stokes fought back with figures of 4-70, while Jofra Archer claimed two wickets.
England responded with 354, thanks to Ben Duckett's brilliant 113 and half-centuries from Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook. Nathan Smith (4-91), Will O'Rourke (3-53) and Zak Foulkes (3-35) ensured New Zealand carried an 84-run first-innings lead.
The visitors then declared at 288/9 in their second innings, powered by Daryl Mitchell's unbeaten century and Rachin Ravindra's classy 94, leaving England with a daunting target of 373.
England’s Not-So-Happy Ending
Zak Foulkes removed Ben Stokes, Jacob Bethell and Harry Brook in a devastating opening spell before Jamie Smith battled with a fighting 60. However, England collapsed for 212 in 51.2 overs as New Zealand secured a memorable 160-run victory to win the series 2-1.
![New Zealand cricket team after England win [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1782742128908_NewZealandCricketteam.jpg?type=hq)
New Zealand cricket team after England win [Source: X]
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