The ICC revised the World Test Championship standings after the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan came to an end.
Following their defeat in the series opener in Mirpur, Pakistan faced Bangladesh in a must-win clash at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The visitors needed a strong response to keep the series alive, but Bangladesh once again proved too strong on home soil.
Powered by a superb century from Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh placed Pakistan under major pressure by setting them a challenging target of 437 runs.
Pakistan were rocked early in the chase as openers Azan Awais and Abdullah Fazal departed in quick succession. However, the Shan Masood-led side showed plenty of resistance and made Bangladesh work hard for the victory.
Mohammad Rizwan produced a determined innings, while captain Masood, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha and Sajid Khan also earned praise from the cricket community for their brave efforts.
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Despite that fightback, Pakistan could not get over the line. Bangladesh completed the win and sealed a historic whitewash at home.
The result had a direct impact on the WTC points table, with Bangladesh moving above India after the standings were updated following the Sylhet Test.
WTC table: Pakistan stay low as Bangladesh move past India
| Rank | Team | PCT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 87.50 |
| 2 | New Zealand | 77.78 |
| 3 | South Africa | 75 |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 66.67 |
| 5 | Bangladesh | 58.34 |
| 6 | India | 48.15 |
| 7 | England | 31.67 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 8.33 |
| 9 | West Indies | 4.17 |
(ICC WTC points table after BAN Vs PAK 2nd Test)
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Pakistan’s heavy setback against Bangladesh caused a notable drop in their PCT, though Shan Masood’s side remained eighth in the ICC World Test Championship points table.
Australia, led by Pat Cummins, continue to hold top spot. Bangladesh’s 78-run victory over Pakistan in Sylhet pushed India down the standings, with the Tigers climbing to fifth place. It was Bangladesh’s second win in four matches in the current cycle, taking their PCT to 58.34.
India slipped to sixth in the WTC table, making their path to the final more difficult.
Shubman Gill’s team will face Afghanistan in a one-off Test in June, but that fixture is not included in the World Test Championship cycle.
New Zealand, Australia and South Africa remain strong WTC final contenders
New Zealand sit second in the standings after winning two of their three matches in the ongoing WTC cycle.
Defending champions South Africa are also firmly in the race, challenging their Trans-Tasman rivals for another place in the World Test Championship final.
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The Proteas are third with a strong PCT of 75. Bangladesh’s rise above India brought them into fifth, while Sri Lanka remain an outside threat in the final race.
Sri Lanka are fourth with a PCT of 66.67, and their home series against India is expected to make the qualification picture clearer.
India’s upcoming WTC fixtures
India, captained by Shubman Gill, have played nine matches so far in the current World Test Championship cycle. They are scheduled to face Sri Lanka and New Zealand across four Tests before hosting Australia in the much-awaited Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The dates for the India vs New Zealand and India vs Sri Lanka series have not yet been confirmed. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy will take place in January-February next year.
