NEW DELHI: New Zealand made history on Saturday by securing their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil, a result that significantly impacts the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
India, after suffering their fourth defeat in the current cycle, now lead Australia by a mere 0.32 percentage points, with 62.82 points compared to Australia’s 62.50. These back-to-back home defeats have placed India’s chances of making a third consecutive WTC final in jeopardy.
Scorecard: India vs Bangladesh, 2nd Test
The WTC standings are now wide open, with several teams vying for the top two spots, which would secure them a place in the 2025 WTC final. The upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has gained added significance, as India will likely need to win the series to ensure their spot in the final.
New Zealand’s win has also propelled them to fourth place with 50.00 percentage points, overtaking South Africa, who now sit fifth with 47.62 points. Sri Lanka hold the third position with 55.56 points.
ICC World Test Championship Standings
Earlier, Pakistan clinched a decisive nine-wicket victory over England in the third Test in Rawalpindi, winning the series 2-1. This result moved Pakistan up to seventh place with 33.33 points, just below England, who have 40.79 points.
India will face New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series in Mumbai, starting November 1, in a must-win scenario to maintain their WTC final hopes.
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