Bangladesh‘s cricket team etched their names in history books with a remarkable 2-0 series victory over Pakistan in the recently concluded Test series. This triumph marked their first-ever away series win in the red-ball format since 2009, a feat that showcased their growth and determination.
Tigers’ win in Rawalpindi has made significant changes in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The victory has not only boosted their confidence but also significantly improved their position in the points table.
A professional chase from Bangladesh
Chasing a challenging target of 185 runs to win on the final day, Bangladesh’s batting lineup exhibited unwavering composure. They chased down the target with six wickets to spare, demonstrating their ability to handle pressure situations.
A historic milestone
This series win holds immense significance for Bangladesh, as it was only their second Test series victory on foreign soil. Their previous away series win came in 2009 against the West Indies, a tour led by the current Test team member, Shakib Al Hasan.
While Bangladesh had secured a solitary Test win against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021, it was not part of a full-fledged series. The Rawalpindi series victory, therefore, stands as a testament to their consistent performance in foreign conditions.
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Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The architects of victory
The Player of the Match, Litton Das, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s success. His century in the first innings, along with a crucial 165-run partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, brought Bangladesh back into the contest after a shaky start.
Miraz, too, made significant contributions. His five-wicket haul in the first innings and valuable runs with the bat proved to be instrumental in Bangladesh’s triumph.
Impact of Bangladesh’s win on WTC standings
Bangladesh’s victory has had a significant impact on the WTC standings. Their 33 points from the series have propelled them up the ladder, surpassing England and securing a spot in the top 5. This is a major achievement for a team that has historically struggled in Test cricket.
The Big 5 on WTC standings
- India (68.52%)
India‘s last Test match was against England in Dharamshala, which they won by a narrow margin of 64 runs. India’s strong performances throughout the WTC cycle have kept them at the top of the standings. Their batting depth and bowling attack have been key factors in their success.
- Australia (62.50%)
Australia‘s last Test match was against New Zealand in Christchurch, which they won by 3-wickets. Australia’s victory over India was a significant boost to their WTC campaign. Their ability to perform consistently in tough conditions has been a hallmark of their success.
- New Zealand (50.00%)
New Zealand‘s last Test match was against Australia in Christchurch, which they lost by a margin of 3-wickets. While New Zealand has been a consistent performer in recent years, their recent loss to Australia has slightly dented their position in the WTC standings. They will need to bounce back with strong performances in their upcoming matches.
- Bangladesh (45.83%)
Bangladesh’s last Test match was against Pakistan in Rawalpindi, which they won by 6 wickets. Bangladesh’s historic series victory over Pakistan has catapulted them into the top 5 of the WTC standings. Their performance in this series has shown that they are capable of competing with top-tier teams.
- England (45.00%)
England’s last Test match was against Sri Lanka at the Lord’s, which they won by a big margin of 190 runs. England’s victory over Sri Lanka has helped them maintain their position in the top 5. However, they will need to improve their consistency to challenge for a place in the WTC final.
Overall, the top 5 teams in the WTC are closely matched, and any team could still make a strong push for a place in the final. The remaining matches in the cycle will be crucial in determining the final standings and the teams that qualify for the championship match.
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