Bangladesh overtake India on WTC 2025-27 standings after 78-run win over Pakistan in Sylhet Test
Sylhet, May 20
Bangladesh have climbed above India into fifth place on the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings after a historic 78-run win over Pakistan in the second Test of the two-match series, at Sylhet on Wednesday.
Najmul Hossain Shanto-led now have a points percentage (PCT) of 58.330, pushing India, who have a PCT of 48.150, down to sixth, as per the ICC website. Meanwhile, Pakistan continue to sit in eighth spot with the PCT of 8.330 after the defeat. The WTC standings are led by Australia, who have an impressive PCT of 87.500 after seven wins in eight matches.
The 2-0 result marked Bangladesh's maiden home Test series win over Pakistan and their second consecutive clean sweep against their Asian rivals, following a similar triumph in Pakistan in 2024.
Chasing a mammoth fourth-innings target of 437 runs, Pakistan put up a spirited resistance but were eventually bowled out for 358. Left-arm spinner Taijul was the architect of the final-day demolition, running through the Pakistani batting lineup to seal a memorable victory for the hosts. He claimed bowling figures of 6/120 in 34.2 overs.
Opting to bowl first, Pakistan conceded 278 runs in the first innings courtesy of a brilliant counter-attacking 126 from Bangladesh wicketkeeper-batter Litton Das.
In response, Pakistan stuttered as they were bundled out for 232 despite a brisk 68 runs off 84 balls from Babar Azam. Bangladesh speedster Nahid Rana and Taijul Islam picked three wickets apiece to hand Bangladesh a crucial 46-run first-innings cushion.
Bangladesh batted Pakistan out of the game in the third innings, posting a massive 390 on the board. Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim anchored the innings with a masterful 137 off 233 balls while Litton Das continued his good form with a fluent 69, setting Pakistan a massive target of 437.
Pakistan's run chase was built around a gritty 92-run sixth-wicket partnership between skipper Shan Masood (71) and Babar Azam (47) for the third wicket and then a 134-run stand between Agha and Mohammad Rizwan (94).
Despite the resistance from the Pakistan batters, Bangladesh spin proved dominant as Taijul Islam claimed wickets of Azam and Masood and then dismantled the tail, finishing the match with a match-defining six-wicket haul.
Following their commanding 104-run victory in the opening Test at Dhaka, this 78-run triumph in Sylhet ensures Bangladesh registered a landmark consecutive Test series sweep against Pakistan after their 2-0 win over Pakistan back in 2024.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I am happy for Bangladesh. They have been working hard on their Test cricket and it shows. Spinning conditions suit them well. India needs to stop being so dependent on home wins—our overseas performance is worrying.
Bangladesh beating Pakistan 2-0 at home is a huge achievement. Pakistan's batting is fragile against spin. But India dropping to 6th is a wake-up call—our batting in SENA countries is still not clicking. Need more grit! 😤
Great series for Bangladesh cricket! Taijul Islam is proving to be a lethal spinner in Asian conditions. India shouldn't panic though—we still have time to build points. But we cannot afford any more slip-ups in the next cycle.
Pakistan were bowled out for 358 chasing 437—that actually shows some fight! But Bangladesh spinners were too good. India need to rethink our Test strategy. Playing at home we should dominate, but away we collapse. Let's be honest, we deserve 6th right now. 😐
Bangladesh's rise in Test cricket is impressive. They have a good balance of experienced players like Mushfiqur and young bowlers. India's PCT of 48.15 is a bit disappointing but not the end of the world. The focus should be on winning our next series against England.
K