India Strengthens Top Spot with Dominant Win Over Bangladesh, Sri Lanka Climbs the Rankings
India secured a 1-0 lead in their two-match Test series against Bangladesh with a commanding victory in Chennai, reaffirming their strong position in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s crucial win over New Zealand in Galle has intensified the battle for the top spots, with both teams aiming for a place in next year’s final at Lord’s.
India Tightens Grip on Top Spot
India’s 280-run win against Bangladesh in Chennai showcased their dominance, earning them 12 vital WTC points and consolidating their position at the top of the table with a win percentage of 71.67%. This extends their lead over second-placed Australia, who hold a 62.50% win percentage.
Bangladesh, who had recently climbed to fourth place after a notable 2-0 series win against Pakistan, have now dropped to sixth, with a points percentage of 39.29%. This loss places them behind Sri Lanka and England in the standings.
Starting the fourth day at 158/4 and chasing a mammoth target of 515, Bangladesh’s hopes were pinned on skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and veteran Shakib Al Hasan. However, their resistance was short-lived as India’s spin duo, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, ran through the remaining six wickets, conceding just 40 runs.
Ashwin, who was named Player of the Match, played a pivotal role with a century in the first innings and a six-wicket haul in the second, matching Shane Warne on the all-time Test five-wicket haul list.
Sri Lanka’s Win Boosts WTC Final Hopes
Sri Lanka’s 63-run victory over New Zealand in Galle has propelled them to third place in the WTC table, enhancing their chances of challenging the 2023 finalists for a spot in the 2025 final. With four wins from eight matches, Sri Lanka now holds 50% of the available points, and a potential maximum percentage of 69.23%.
To secure a place in the final, Sri Lanka will need to maintain this momentum, requiring further victories against New Zealand, a clean sweep of South Africa, and a 2-0 win over Australia in an upcoming home series.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva’s strategic decision not to enforce the extra half-hour on the fourth day proved wise, as a rejuvenated Sri Lankan attack dismissed Rachin Ravindra early on the fifth day. Ravindra, who resumed his innings on 91, could only add one more run before falling to Prabath Jayasuriya’s skillful spin.
Jayasuriya capped off a stellar performance with an innings five-wicket haul, taking 9/204 in the match and earning the Player of the Match award. His efforts ensured that New Zealand’s lower order fell short of the 275-run target, solidifying Sri Lanka’s ascent in the WTC rankings.
Shifts in the WTC Race
The victories for India and Sri Lanka have shifted the dynamics of the WTC standings, with India fortifying their position at the top and Sri Lanka making a significant leap into contention. As the competition progresses, the fight for the final spots intensifies, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the WTC 2025 cycle.
