Following a commanding 192-run victory against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has climbed to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings. T...
Following a commanding 192-run victory against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka has climbed to fourth place in the World Test Championship standings. This significant win in Chattogram not only secured Sri Lanka a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh but also improved their chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship final next year.
The decisive victory was sealed during the first session on the fifth day of the final Test match of the two-match series. Sri Lanka's dominance was evident as they wrapped up the match with Khaled Ahmed being the final Bangladesh batsman to depart at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
With this win, Sri Lanka has surpassed Pakistan in the rankings, currently holding a 50% points percentage. They now trail only India, Australia, and New Zealand, who occupy the first, second, and third positions respectively in the World Test Championship standings.
Upcoming Series for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka still has two home series remaining in this World Test Championship cycle. They are scheduled to play against New Zealand later this year, followed by two Tests against Australia in early 2025.
Their immediate challenge is a three-match series in England, set to begin in August. Riding high on their recent triumph in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka will be entering these matches with renewed confidence.
Key Performances in the Bangladesh Series
Throughout the series against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka showcased dominant performances, both with the bat and the ball. Kamindu Mendis emerged as the leading run-scorer of the series, accumulating 367 runs at an impressive average of 122.33.
Mendis played a crucial role in the first innings, contributing an unbeaten 92 runs as Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 531. The bowlers then took charge, restricting Bangladesh to a mere 178 runs in response.
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.
On the other hand, Bangladesh has slipped to joint seventh place in the World Test Championship rankings. They are set to face Pakistan in their next series later this year, consisting of two Test matches.
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