CAPE TOWN, South Africa: South Africa have reclaimed the top position in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings after defeating Australia by 176 runs in the third and final Test in Cape Town to seal a 2-1 series victory.
𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭 ⛰️
A famous series win sees the Proteas climb to the top of the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings. More details ⬇️
https://t.co/Xrtl3bkqFe
— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2026
The Proteas’ triumph not only handed them the home series but also pushed Australia from the summit of the world rankings, with South Africa gaining five rating points to reach 124, two ahead of their rivals.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and spinner Simon Harmer led South Africa’s bowling attack on the final day, with Rabada claiming three wickets and Harmer taking six to complete Australia’s collapse.
South Africa overpower Australia in Cape Town
Australia had taken a 100-run first-innings lead after Josh Inglis scored a century, while Mitchell Starc claimed six wickets for 72 runs to restrict the hosts to 329.
South Africa fought back in their second innings through Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, who struck impressive centuries and shared a 154-run partnership to help their team post a competitive target of 288 runs.
Ironic that a Test which saw so many fightbacks at different stages has ended with a bit of a whimper, but the Proteas aren’t complaining. They’ve taken the series, and along with that the No.1 Test ranking.
SA defeated AUS by 2-1 🔥🔥🎉
#SAvsAUS #CricketNews https://t.co/xtW31BSvkZ— Lucifer 🦇 (@LuciferM_04) October 31, 2026
Marques Ackerman also made valuable contributions, scoring 95 in the first innings and 62 in the second.
Australia, however, failed to withstand South Africa’s bowling attack in the fourth innings and were dismissed, handing the hosts a convincing 176-run victory.
Read Also: Babar, Saud and Shan Rise in ICC Test Rankings Despite Pakistan’s England Whitewash
Updated ICC Men’s test team rankings
New Zealand and South Africa become the top two sides in the #WTC27 Standings following the Cape Town Test 👊
Check out the movements on the ICC World Test Championship Standings via the predictor 👉 https://t.co/T8iyDajWzL https://t.co/gTDnH422ru
— ICC (@ICC) October 31, 2026
South Africa’s series victory reshaped the top two positions in the ICC Test rankings, while Pakistan retained ninth place with 71 rating points.
The updated rankings are:
- South Africa: 124 points
- Australia: 122 points
- New Zealand: 106 points
- India: 105 points
- England: 102 points
- Bangladesh: 77 points
- Sri Lanka: 75 points
- West Indies: 74 points
- Pakistan: 71 points
- Zimbabwe: 17 points
Read Also: Pakistan Climbs ICC Test Rankings After Annual Update
South Africa’s rise to the top highlights their growing dominance in Test cricket, while Australia will look to regain the number-one position following their disappointing series defeat.
