The Proteas, who were third heading into the match with a percentage of 75.00, benefited from New Zealand’s defeat to move into an automatic final berth behind Australia, who lead the standings with 87.50 from seven wins in eight matches.
Only the top two sides at the end of the 2025-27 cycle will contest the WTC Final at Lord’s in June 2027.
New Zealand’s 115-run defeat dropped them from second to fourth, their percentage falling from 77.78 to 58.33. Sri Lanka moved up to third on 66.67, while England, despite the win, remain seventh, improving their percentage from 31.67 to 37.88 with four victories from 11 matches.
Plenty of intrigue in the #WTC27 standings following England’s Test triumph over New Zealand at Lord’s 🤔
More 👉 https://t.co/SySESUOhR4 pic.twitter.com/wZaLSqRClc
— ICC (@ICC) June 8, 2026
For South Africa, the focus now turns to strengthening their position as the WTC cycle enters its critical final phase.
The Proteas host leaders Australia for a three-Test series beginning in Durban on 9 October, the first meeting between the top two sides since South Africa’s five-wicket victory over the Australians in the 2025 WTC Final at Lord’s.
Bangladesh and England will follow in November and December respectively, making it a defining home summer for the reigning world champions.
Photo: Prakash Singh/Getty Images
