Sri Lanka Triumphs Over Bangladesh, Climbs ICC World Test Championship Rankings
Despite a valiant 87* from Mominul Haque, Sri Lanka emerged victorious in the Sylhet Test. #WTC25 | #BANvSL : Full Story Match Highlights
Sri Lanka’s resounding victory over Bangladesh has led to a significant leap in their position in the latest ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings.
In their inaugural Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the Sri Lankan Lions overpowered the Bangladesh Tigers by a staggering 328 runs.
This marks Sri Lanka’s eighth away Test win over Bangladesh, maintaining their unblemished record in Bangladesh, where three of their matches have ended in draws.
The victory propelled Sri Lanka from the bottom of the WTC standings to a tie for sixth place with Bangladesh. Prior to this, Sri Lanka had 0 points, while Bangladesh held the fourth position with 12 points after two games and a points percentage of 50.
The win resulted in Sri Lanka securing 12 points in three games and a points percentage of 33.33, surpassing South Africa (25 per cent) and England (17.50 per cent), who currently occupy the bottom of the table.
ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings
Both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka now share the sixth position with 12 points and a points percentage of 33.33.
Pakistan has climbed to the fourth spot with a points percentage of 36.66, while West Indies, sharing a similar points percentage with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, has ascended to the fifth position with a higher points tally of 16.
On the final day, Bangladesh resumed at 47/5, with Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam at the crease. Kasun Rajitha of Sri Lanka dismissed Islam for 6 in the day’s third over.
Impressive performances from Kamindu Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva put Sri Lanka in a commanding position. #WTC25 | #BANvSL
Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined Haque at the crease, and the pair began to rebuild Bangladesh’s innings. They put together a fighting stand of 66 runs before Rajitha claimed his second wicket of the day, dismissing Miraz for 33. Bangladesh went to lunch at 129/7, still needing another 382 runs.
Despite the mounting odds, Haque continued his resistance. However, with only three wickets remaining, Bangladesh’s defeat seemed inevitable. Rajitha claimed two more wickets after lunch, completing his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
Haque’s unbeaten 87 stood as a beacon of resistance as Bangladesh succumbed to defeat. The teams will face off in the tour’s final clash, the second Test in Chattogram, commencing on 30 March.