New Delhi, June 28: India’s early setback in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle has been further compounded by Sri Lanka’s dominant series win over Bangladesh, which has reshuffled the points table significantly.
With the innings victory in the second Test in Colombo, Sri Lanka have leapfrogged to third place in the standings, while India remain stuck at eighth after their loss to England.
Sri Lanka Crush Bangladesh to Climb the Ladder
The two-match series between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh began with a draw in Galle, where only 30 wickets fell, and Bangladesh’s late third-innings declaration left too little time to force a result.
But it was in the second Test at SSC, Colombo, where Sri Lanka flexed their dominance.
The hosts bowled out Bangladesh for 247 on Day 1, with debutant Sonal Dinusha (3/22) and Asitha Fernando (3/51) doing the damage.
In reply, Pathum Nissanka batted over six hours for a brilliant 158, supported ably by Dinesh Chandimal (93) and Kusal Mendis (84), as Sri Lanka posted a formidable 458. Taijul Islam (5/131) and Nayeem Hasan (3/87) tried to resist, but the damage was done.
Trailing by 211 runs, Bangladesh collapsed for 133 in their second innings, handing Sri Lanka victory by an innings and 78 runs.
Prabath Jayasuriya bagged 5/56—his 12th five-wicket haul in Tests—as Sri Lanka sealed the series 1-0 and collected crucial WTC points.
Updated WTC Standings: India Left Playing Catch-Up
The win propelled Sri Lanka to third place on the table with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 66.67. Bangladesh, who had entered the match level with Sri Lanka, dropped to fourth with a PCT of 16.67. Meanwhile, Australia and England continue to lead the standings with perfect PCTs of 100 after one win each.
India, who suffered a heavy defeat against England at Headingley, are currently languishing at eighth in the nine-team table with a PCT of 0.
Their next Test against England at Edgbaston becomes even more crucial as they look to kickstart their campaign and stay in contention for a top-two finish.
Bangladesh are currently placed fourth on the table, having played 2 matches with 0 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, earning 4 points with a points percentage (PCT) of 16.67. South Africa, New Zealand, and Pakistan are yet to open their campaign and have not played any matches so far, sitting at zero points each.
India, placed eighth, have played one match, which they lost, and are yet to open their account on the table.
West Indies, like India, have also played one match and lost, leaving them with zero points and sitting at the bottom of the table.
Sri Lanka’s surge in the standings serves as a warning sign for India, who now find themselves near the bottom of the table after just one Test.
With a long WTC cycle ahead, there is time to recover—but the margin for error is rapidly shrinking.
The second Test against England, starting July 2 at Edgbaston, could be the spark India need to revive their campaign and avoid falling further behind in the race to the WTC final.
India’s path to the World Test Championship final has suddenly become steep, if not slippery. One defeat may not define a campaign, but it does leave little room for further stumbles in a highly competitive field. With teams like Sri Lanka making strong early moves and the table beginning to take shape, India must respond with urgency and intent. (Agencies)
