In fact, the Proteas will also face Pakistan in a two-match series later this year. Along with them, India and Australia are also fighting for a spot in the summit clash in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. India are placed at the top while the Proteas are at fifth, but there is a difference of less than 6 in terns of point's percentage between them. Hence, it goes without saying that the top five teams do not have much room for error and complacency. India recently reclaimed their top spot after winning the Perth Test by 295 runs, and it would keep them in good stead before the Adelaide Test from December 6. India, however, need to win the series 4-0 to book a berth in the grand finale without having to depend on other results to go in their favour. New Zealand, Sri Lanka riding high on confidence New Zealand, in the meantime, rose like a phoenix from the ashes after  The likes of Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel and Will Young made sure that the Black Caps handed India their first Test series defeat at home since 2012. The Kiwis will face Ben Stokes' England in a three-match Test series, starting November 28 at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand became champions in 2019-21, but could not put their best foot forward in the 2021-23 season. After taking over from Tim Southee, Latham has a golden chance to lead his team to glory next year. As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they did not perform well in the previous two editions of the championship. But after beating the Kiwis at home, they will look to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the WTC final. Before the Champions Trophy and Indian Premier League (IPL) take place, the finalists for the WTC will be known, and all five teams will be looking to strain every sinew.