India slip in ICC Test rankings, South Africa move up to No. 2 after 10 wicket-win in SA vs PAK 2025 2nd Test

The Indian cricket team dropped a spot in the latest ICC Test Rankings following South Africa's win over Pakistan in the second Test in Cape Town. India were in the second position with 4248 points and a rating of 109 after their 1-3 series defeat against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25.

However, they have now slipped to the third position with the same number of points and rating from 39 Tests.

The Proteas thrashed Pakistan by 10 wickets to win the two-match series 2-0. South Africa were earlier third with 2932 points and a rating of 109. However, their dominating victory means that they now have 3355 points and a rating of 112, which has put them in the second position.

Meanwhile, Australia remain on top with 4531 points and a rating of 126. England (fourth with 5303 points and a rating of 106) and New Zealand (fifth with 3536 points and a rating of 96) make up the top five teams in the lastest ICC Men's Test Rankings.

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India miss out on WTC final spot following defeat in fifth BGT 2024-25 Test

South Africa pushing India down from the second to third position in the ICC Men's Test Rankings comes as a double blow. After their defeat in the fifth and final Test of the BGT 2024-25 series in Sydney, India's chances of making it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) came to an end.

They needed to win the Test to stay in contention and give themselves a chance of qualifying with the help of other results. However, they lost to Australia by six wickets eventually.

With the win, it looks like Australia have all but sealed their spot in the WTC 2025 final. South Africa were the first team to qualify. The teams will now contest in the final in June.

This will be the first WTC final that will not feature India. They played the finals of the previous two editions, ending as runners-up on both occasions.