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The ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle is shaping up with thrilling developments as South Africa has moved to the top of the standings, surpassing Australia after defeating Sri Lanka by a significant 109-run margin. This victory places South Africa in a strong position as the battle intensifies among cricketing nations for the top positions in the standings.

New Zealand concluded their campaign with an impressive win over England. Despite this victory, New Zealand is out of contention for the final, mainly due to earlier losses against England that significantly impacted their standing. Furthermore, both England and New Zealand faced penalties, losing three World Test Championship (WTC) points each due to a slow over-rate during their match.

Australia and India are closely competing for the top standings. India faced a setback with a 3-0 series whitewash against New Zealand in October but made a strong comeback against Australia. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri provided analysis on teams ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy suggesting that competition remains fierce.

The defeat of Sri Lanka in the two-match series against South Africa has adversely affected their standings in the WTC25. Meanwhile, England’s series of losses in Pakistan has diminished their chances of qualifying for the 2025 final. Pakistan, with remaining matches against South Africa and the West Indies, still holds slim chances for the final.

Bangladesh wrapped up their campaign with a win against West Indies, despite an overall disappointing cycle. West Indies will play against Pakistan in a two-match series early in 2025 to conclude their campaign.

In a noteworthy individual achievement, former South African cricketer AB de Villiers was inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2024, adding a milestone to his illustrious career.

As the cycle progresses, the cricketing world watches closely, anticipating how the final standings will shape up going into the 2025 ICC World Test Championship final.

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