ICC World Test Championship: A look at the points table
Pakistan's heroic draw in the second Test versus Australia on Wednesday has been a major talking point. Chasing 506 runs, the hosts kept their calm and forced a draw, scoring 443/7. Babar Azam (196) and Mohammad Rizwan (104*) scored centuries as Pakistan thwarted the Aussies. With a crucial draw between the two sides, we decode the latest ICC World Test Championship table.
Pakistan defy all odds to draw second Test against Australia
Pakistan saw Australia power themselves to 556/9 declared in the first innings before being bowled out for 148. Rather than enforcing a follow-on, the Aussies decided to bat again. They made 97/2, setting a massive target. However, Pakistan looked solid in the second innings and deflated the Aussies. Opener Abdullah Shafique (96), Babar, and Mohammad Rizwan were terrific for the home team.
Australia lead the WTC 2021-23 standings
Australia won the five-match Ashes series by a 4-0 margin. It was their first Test series of the 2021-23 World Test Championship cycle. In the ongoing series, both Tests have been drawn so far, with a game to go. Australia lead the WTC standings, having collected 71.42 points percentage (PCT). They have won four and drawn three Tests. They have 60 points in total.
Pakistan are placed second
Prior to the ongoing Test series versus Australia, the Pakistan cricket team beat Bangladesh by a 2-0 margin. Before that, they drew a two-Test series 1-1 against West Indies. Overall, Pakistan have won three Tests, drawn two, besides losing one. They have collected 61.11 PCT and have 44 points. Pakistan will hope to win the third Test and gain advantage.
SA, India and SL complete the top five
India, who beat Sri Lanka 2-0 recently are fourth with a PCT of 58.33. They have played four Test series. South Africa are ahead of them with a PCT of 60.00. SA beat India 2-1 and then drew 1-1 versus New Zealand. Sri Lanka are placed fifth with a PCT of 50. They have won two matches, besides losing two (2 series).
How have the other sides fared?
New Zealand (39.88 PCT), Bangladesh (25.00 PCT), West Indies (23.33 PCT), and England (11.67 PCT) finish the league standings. WI and England are currently involved in a Test series with the first match ending in a draw.
