WTC 2023-25: SL climb to 3rd place, NZ slip down
Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory against New Zealand in the first Test match of their two-match series. The match, held in Galle, saw Sri Lanka's spinners outshine their opponents as they successfully defended a total of 275 runs. This win has propelled SL to the third place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table, while NZ have slipped to fourth position. Let's decode the table.
Sri Lanka's victory: A closer look at the match
Riding on Kamindu Mendis's century, SL posted 305/10 batting first as William O'Rourke claimed a fifer. NZ posted 340/10 in response thanks to fifties from Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. Dimuth Karunaratne's 83 powered SL to 309/10 in their second outing. Ajaz Patel dismissed six batters. Chasing 275 for win, NZ fought well but eventually bundled out for 211.
WTC standings: Sri Lanka and New Zealand's positions
This victory marked Sri Lanka's fourth win in the current cycle, boosting their points percentage (PCT) to 50. The third-placed SL also own four defeats. On the other hand, New Zealand have suffered their fourth loss in seven matches of WTC 2023-25, causing their PCT to drop to 42.86. They are now fourth in the table with three wins.
India strengthens top position in WTC
India, who recently beat Bangladesh in the first Test, now boast a PCT of 71.67. They have won seven of their 10 matches in the current cycle (L2, D1). The defeat has impacted Bangladesh's standing in the WTC 2023-25 points table, pushing them down to sixth place. They now hold a PCT of 39.29, having won three and lost four games.
Australia trail behind India in WTC standings
Australia retain their second spot with a 62.50 points percentage. They have recorded eight wins, three defeats, and a solitary draw. England own the fifth spot, having attained points percentage of 42.19. They have won eight of their 16 Tests as of now (L7, D1). Notably, NZ held the third place while SL were at fourth prior to the Galle Test.
What about the other teams
South Africa, who beat West Indies 1-0 in their recent away Test series, are seventh in the standings. They have 28 points and a PCT of 38.89 %, having recorded two wins and three defeats (Draw: 1). WI continue at the ninth and last spot with 20 points and a PCT of 18.52 % (W1, D2, L6). Pakistan are at the eighth place with two wins and five defeats (PCT: 19.05).
WTC standings: A look at points system
As has been the case, the ICC WTC standings are determined by the percentage of points earned. There are 12 points available for each win in the WTC. Four points are awarded to each team for a draw, with the teams earning six for a tie. A loss leads to no point deduction, while teams can lose points because of slow over-rates.
