Following a commanding 192-run victory against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has risen to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings. This significant win in Chattogram secured Sri Lanka a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh, improving their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final next year.
The Decisive Win
Sri Lanka sealed the victory during the first session on the fifth day of the final Test match of the two-match series. Their dominance was highlighted as they dismissed Khaled Ahmed, the final Bangladesh batsman, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
World Test Championship Rankings
With this win, Sri Lanka climbed to fourth place, holding a 50% points percentage and surpassing Pakistan. They now trail India, Australia, and New Zealand, who occupy the first, second, and third positions, respectively, in the standings. In contrast, Bangladesh has slipped to joint seventh place in the rankings.
Upcoming Fixtures
Sri Lanka has two home series remaining in this World Test Championship cycle. They are scheduled to play against New Zealand later this year and will face Australia in early 2025. Their immediate challenge, however, is a three-match series in England, set to begin in August 2025. Riding high on their recent triumph in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka will enter these matches with renewed confidence.
Key Performances in the Bangladesh Series
Sri Lanka's fast bowlers, Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, were particularly outstanding. Fernando claimed four wickets in the first innings, while Kumara replicated the feat in the second innings, ensuring Sri Lanka's victory.
Bangladesh’s Next Steps
Bangladesh, having slipped to joint seventh in the rankings, will aim to rebound in their next series against Pakistan later this year, consisting of two Test matches.
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