ICC World Test Championship 2023-25: Updated points table after 1st test, NZ vs ENG 2024

England defeated New Zealand in Christchurch by eight wickets to retain the number sixth spot on ICC WTC 2023-25 standings.

The first test between New Zealand and England, which was played in Christchurch, saw the visitors win by 233 runs. The visitors put up a brilliant all-round performance outplaying the hosts in all three departments of the game.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first. Modern-day great Kane Williamson (93) starred for the hosts, propelling the Kiwis to a good first-innings score of 348 runs. Young speedster Brydon Carse was the hero for England shining with four wickets.

In reply, England put up a solid first-innings total of 499. England’s upcoming star Harry Brook top scored for the Three Lions with 171 while Gus Atkinson (48) and Brydon Carse (33) added valuable lower order runs to help visitors take a promising first innings lead.

England seized more control of the match in the second innings, thanks to the brilliant bowling display by Carse and Chris Woakes. The pair combined to pick nine wickets to bowl out the Kiwis for a score of just 254 runs. Carse also recorded his best bowling figures in test cricket picking up 6/42.

In reply, England chased the small target of 104 runs in just 12.4 overs with eight wickets in hand to go 1-0 up in the three-match test series. Debutant Jacob Bethell scored a quickfire 50 off 37 balls in the fourth innings to cap off a comprehensive win for the visitors.

ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Points Table:

Thanks to this win in Christchurch, England have now improved their PCT from 40.79 to 43.75. They are still slotted at the number sixth position, just above Pakistan.

New Zealand on the other hand are in the fourth spot in the ICC WTC 2023-25 points table, with PCT of 50.00, having won and lost six tests each.

India are strongly placed at the top spot in the ICC WTC 2023-25 standings with PCT of 61.11, while South Africa are placed at the second position with five wins, three losses and one draw in nine tests.

England, Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh are the bottom four teams in the ICC WTC 2023-25 points table and are effectively out of the race to the final.

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