Ganesh Kendale
India gave their quest to play the World Test Championship (WTC) final for a third straight edition a massive boost with a convincing win against Bangladesh in Kanpur
NEW DELHI: India took a big step towards booking a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for a third straight edition with a 7-wicket win against Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur on Tuesday (1 October).The win gave India a 2-0 Test series win and extended their lead at the top of the WTC standings.
Even though the second and third day of the Test were wiped out without a ball bowled and only 35 overs were possible on the first day, India produced a heist with a staggering all-round display.
The win maintained India’s position at the top of the WTC standings with eight wins, two losses and a draw from 11 matches played for a collective 98 points. The thumping win took their points percentage to 74.24.
India are overwhelming favourites to ramp up their tally with New Zealand to come next. The Tim Southee-led BlackCaps will play three Tests in India starting on 16 October in Bengaluru. The two teams will square off in Pune and Mumbai thereafter.
It will be followed by a blockbuster five-match Test series between India and Australia. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy could well decide who takes top spot in the WTC standings.
India can seal a place in the WTC final, scheduled to take place at Lord’s in June 2025, even before they head to Australia. For that, India need to blank New Zealand 3-0. If that doesn’t happen, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy gets extra meaning.
Australia are second-best placed in the WTC standings with eight wins, three losses and a draw on 90 points and 62.50 points percentage.
Realistically, only Sri Lanka (55.56 points percentage), in third, have a chance at catching up with Australia with two Tests in South Africa to come.
