New Zealand’s defeat to South Africa drops them to 6th place after the second test

South Africa defeated New Zealand by 198 runs in the second Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch was a difficult pill to swallow for the World Test Championship champions. The loss dropped New Zealand to sixth in the standings, with the two-match series now tied at 1-1. They have won only two of their six games in this WTC cycle. South Africa won their third game in a row, moving them above last year’s WTC finalists India, who are presently in sixth place.

New Zealand got an early lead in the series, beating South Africa in  the first Test by an innings and 276 runs in Christchurch.

The visitors, on the other hand, bounced back spectacularly, displaying incredible tenacity to win by 198 runs and tie the series.

This victory also deprived New Zealand of its first-ever series victory over South Africa in their 90-year history of Test match cricket.

Sri Lanka now leads the table after two wins in two WTC cycles. Following them is Australia, which has seen a big surge in popularity following their outstanding performance in the 4-0 Ashes annihilation of England at home.

England remains in last place with only one win heading into their away Test series against the West Indies.

On March 4, India and Sri Lanka will begin a two-match Test series in Mohali.