New Zealand drop in WTC Standings after loss to England
The hosts secured a 115-run win over the Black Caps in the first Test at Lord's
New Zealand’s tour of England began with a disappointing 115-run defeat in the first Test at Lord’s on Sunday. Due to the result, the Black Caps have slipped from second to fourth in the 2025-27 World Test Championships points table.
Only the top two teams will contest in the WTC Final, which will be held in June 2027.
ICC World Test Championships 2025-27 standings
While the weather played havoc in the match, the pitch also came under scrutiny for its uneven bounce. After England were bowled out for 140 in the first innings, their bowlers came to party, dismissing New Zealand for 113. With Emilio Gay giving the hosts a steadier start in the second innings, with a well-crafted 57, England posted 226.
New Zealand, however, continued to struggle with the bat. Less than 10 overs were possible on a rain-affected third day. Having started Day 4 on 55-5, New Zealand collapsed for 138 despite a gritty 44 not out from Glenn Phillips.
Pacer Ollie Robinson was the star of the show, as he followed up a five-wicket haul in the first innings with a handy 29 with the bat and 2/38 in the second innings.
It was a happy homecoming for England, who are trying to recover from the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Australia in this edition of the Ashes.
Having won the first of the three Tests against New Zealand, England are still seventh in the WTC points table, with four wins in 11 matches they have played so far. Meanwhile, the Black Caps dropped out of the top two, and are currently placed fourth with a percentage of 58.33 in their four matches.
Australia are still at the top of the pile, having won seven of their eight matches.