Dubai, Sep 23
India tightened their grip on the top spot of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle with a comprehensive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai, while Sri Lanka boosted their chances of making the final by outclassing New Zealand in Galle.
Both teams secured crucial points, adding intrigue to the race for the final two spots in next year's WTC finale at Lord's.
India’s latest triumph extended their lead at the top of the table, reaching a percentage of 71.67%. Ravichandran Ashwin led the charge, claiming Player of the Match honours for his all-round brilliance; a century in the first innings and a six-wicket haul in the second. His efforts helped India bowl out Bangladesh for 234, sealing the match on the fourth day.
Starting the day at 158/4 and chasing a mammoth target of 515, Bangladesh’s hopes rested on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan.
However, India’s spin duo of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja quickly dismantled the lower order, securing 12 crucial WTC points.
Bangladesh’s defeat pushed them down to sixth in the standings, holding a percentage of 39.29%, trailing behind Sri Lanka and England.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, capitalised on their victory over New Zealand in Galle to leapfrog into third place in the WTC standings. Dhananjaya de Silva's side now boasts a 50% win rate, putting them in a strong position to challenge the top teams for a place in the final.
Sri Lanka's 63-run victory over the BlackCaps came in a thrilling five days, with Prabath Jayasuriya emerging as the hero, finishing with match figures of 9-204 and securing the Player of the Match award.