Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table after NZ vs AUS 2nd Test, WTC Table and Rankings

Australia, on Monday (March 11), registered a thrilling 3-wicket win over New Zealand in the second and final Test at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch. Alex Carey starred with the bat to help his side seal a 2-0 sweep. The win has also helped Australia move ahead of New Zealand in the ICC World Test Championship Points Table (WTC Points Table).

Chasing 279, Australia had their back against the wall after being reduced to 34 for 4 with their top four batters back in the hut. Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head then helped the tourists end day three on 77 for 4. The day did not start on a good note for New Zealand as Rachin Ravindra dropped a regulation chance at backward point to give Marsh a huge reprieve in the second over of the day.

The drop proved costly as Marsh went on to play a crucial knock of 80 runs. New Zealand, however, did not have to wait long for the first wicket of the day. Marsh and Head could add only three runs to the overnight score before New Zealand captain Tim Southee struck to send back the latter for 18.

With Australia reeling at 80 for 5, the hosts were well on top and were looking destined to win the game. However, Marsh and Alex Carey turned the game on its head by sharing a 140-run stand for the sixth wicket. And just when it looked like the visitors would go on to register a comfortable win in the end, Ben Sears struck twice in two balls to put New Zealand on top again.

He first dismissed Marsh before sending back Mitchell Starc for a first-ball duck to leave Australia reeling at 220 for 7 from 220 for 5. However, the Black Caps could not capitalize on the breakthroughs as Carey and Pat Cummins shared an unbeaten stand of 61 runs to take their team home.

Carey remained unbeaten on 98 while Cummins scored 32. Earlier in the game, New Zealand scored 162 runs in their first innings before bowling out Australia for 256. In the second innings, the Southee-led team scored 372 runs thanks to half-centuries from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, and Daryl Mitchell.

Updated ICC World Test Championship Points Table After NZ vs AUS 2nd Test:

With the win, Australia have now displaced New Zealand from the second spot in the ICC World Test Championship points table. They now have a PCT of 62.5 and are only behind India who have a PCT of 68.51. Australia now have 8 wins and 3 losses in 12 games of the ongoing WTC cycle.

On the other hand, New Zealand, who were at the top of the ICC World Test Championship points table before the start of the series against Australia, have dropped to third and have a PCT of 50.

ICC World Test Championship points table: