ISLAMABAD: Pakistan launched their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign in style, defeating defending champions South Africa by 93 runs in the opening Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
The victory not only ended South Africa’s impressive 10-match unbeaten run but also lifted Pakistan to the top of the WTC standings alongside Australia with a perfect record in the new cycle.
On day four of the Test, Pakistan’s spinners, led by Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi, rattled through the South African batting order to successfully defend the 277-run target.
The Proteas’ chase faltered early, with Noman and Afridi picking up crucial wickets, making it a near-impossible task for the visitors. South Africa was bowled out for just 183, handing Pakistan a memorable victory.
With the win, Pakistan has joined Australia at the top of the table with a 100% points percentage (PCT). South Africa, on the other hand, sit at the bottom of the table alongside the West Indies, having lost their opening match of the 2025-2027 WTC cycle.
Updated WTC 2025-27 Standings after the 1st PAK vs SA Test:
New Zealand remain the only side yet to play a Test match in this cycle.
Position |
Team |
Matches |
Won |
Lost |
Drawn |
No Result |
Deducted |
Points |
PCT |
1 |
Australia |
3 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
36 |
100.00 |
1 |
Pakistan |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
12 |
100.00 |
3 |
Sri Lanka |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
16 |
66.67 |
4 |
India |
7 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
52 |
61.90 |
5 |
England |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
26 |
43.33 |
6 |
Bangladesh |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
16.67 |
7 |
West Indies |
5 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
7 |
South Africa |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
9 |
New Zealand |
0 |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
– |
The updated standings reflect Pakistan’s strong start to the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, and they now look to build on this momentum in the upcoming second Test. South Africa will be keen to bounce back and avoid further setbacks in their pursuit of WTC glory.
