Dhaka, Nov. 1 -- South Africa's series victory over Australia has put them top of the world rankings and greatly enhanced their chances of returning to the World Test Championship final but they must still navigate a home series against England at the end of the year.

The top two teams in the WTC points table for the 2025-27 cycle, which ends in March, advance to the final in London in June and South Africa are well placed after completing a come-from-behind 2-1 home series win over Australia at the weekend.

They are on a points percentage of 71.43, narrowly behind New Zealand (72.22), but have overtaken Australia who, after their 176-run loss at Newlands on Saturday, dropped to 69.23.

South Africa need five wins from seven remaining T...