Australia secured a gripping three-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second and final NZ vs AUS Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch on March 11 (Monday). Alex Carey played a pivotal role with the bat, leading his team to a 2-0 series sweep. This triumph has not only clinched the series for Australia but has also propelled them ahead of New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.

Securing the victory has propelled Australia to overtake New Zealand, claiming the second spot in the WTC 2023-25 points table. They currently boast a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 62.5.

India On Top Of WTC 2023-25 Standings

However, India remain on top of the WTC standings despite Australia winning the NZ vs AUS Test series by 2-0. Rohit Sharma’s Team India, with an impressive record of 6 victories in 9 Tests  with the PCT of 68.51 during the ongoing cycle, secured the top spot after a dominant performance against England in the five-match home Test series, which they won 4-1. Their ascent to the summit was further solidified following New Zealand’s loss to Australia in NZ vs AUS 1st Test in Wellington.

Contrastingly, New Zealand, previously leading the ICC World Test Championship points table ahead of the series against Australia, has now slipped to the third position with a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 50.

Here’s The WTC 2023-25 Updated Standings

Australia Continue To Dominate New Zealand

In pursuit of 279 runs, Australia found themselves in a precarious position at 34 for 4, losing their top four batters. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head’s partnership stabilised the innings, closing day three at 77 for 4. New Zealand’s day started unfavourably as Rachin Ravindra dropped a routine chance at backward point, granting Marsh a significant reprieve in the second over.

The drop proved costly as Marsh went on to play a crucial innings, scoring 80 runs at a healthy strike rate. New Zealand did not have to wait long for the first breakthrough of the day, with Tim Southee dismissing Head for 18, leaving Australia struggling at 80 for 5. Despite the hosts appearing in control, Marsh and Alex Carey’s 140-run partnership for the sixth wicket turned the game around.

However, just as Australia seemed on the verge of a comfortable victory, Ben Sears’ two quick wickets, dismissing Marsh and Mitchell Starc, brought New Zealand back into contention at 220 for 7. However, the Black Caps couldn’t capitalise on these breakthroughs as Carey and Pat Cummins’ unbeaten 61-run partnership guided Australia to victory. Australia’s triumph solidifies their continued dominance over New Zealand in their home in Tests, as the Kiwis haven’t secured a victory against Australia in a home Test since 1991.

Carey finished unbeaten on 98, while Cummins contributed 32. In earlier innings, New Zealand scored 162 runs, and Australia were bowled out for 256. In the second innings, the Southee-led team scored 372 runs, featuring half-centuries from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell.