India tightens grip on WTC final spot with dominant win over Bangladesh in 2nd Test
India, led by Rohit Sharma, secured a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test, clinching the series 2-0. The match, played at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium, saw India comfortably chase down a target of 95 runs in 17.2 overs on the final day of a rain-affected encounter.
India strengthens position atop the WTC table
The triumph on Tuesday (October 1) bolstered India¡¯s standing at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. With a PCT% of 74.24, they lead the race for a spot in the final, followed by defending champions Australia, who hold 62.50 PCT%. Sri Lanka (55.56 PCT%), England (42.19 PCT%), South Africa (38.89 PCT%), and New Zealand (37.50 PCT%) trail behind.
Bangladesh, after suffering consecutive losses to India, dropped to seventh with a PCT% of 34.37.
Yashasvi Jaiswal was instrumental for India, registering half-centuries in both innings despite the rain washing out two full days of play. Bangladesh was bowled out for 146 in their second innings, setting India a modest target that they achieved with three wickets down.
India gears up for New Zealand series
Following the dominant performance against Bangladesh, India¡¯s next challenge comes in the form of a three-match Test series against New Zealand, starting on October 16 in Bengaluru. The subsequent Tests will be held in Pune and Mumbai, ahead of a crucial five-match Test series in Australia.
The much-anticipated 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will commence on November 22 in Perth, followed by matches in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
India's path to the 2025 WTC final remains clear: if they win at least four of their remaining eight Tests and avoid penalties, they will secure a top-two finish and qualify for their third consecutive WTC final. The team will be eager to avenge its defeats in the previous two finals, having lost to Australia by 209 runs in 2023 and to New Zealand by 8 wickets in 2021.
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