Sri Lanka marked a remarkable surge in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 rankings following their commanding triumph against Bangladesh.
The Lankan Lions roared to victory, clinching a resounding 328-run win over the Bangladesh Tigers in their maiden Test encounter at the venue.
This victory not only sealed Sri Lanka’s eighth triumph on Bangladeshi soil but also upheld their impeccable unbeaten Test record in the country, with three encounters culminating in draws.
This triumph propelled Sri Lanka from the bottom of the WTC standings to a shared sixth position with Bangladesh. Formerly at zero points, Sri Lanka now boasts 12 points from three matches, with a points percentage of 33.33, placing them ahead of South Africa and England, who currently languish at the foot of the table.
Bangladesh and Sri Lanka now stand shoulder to shoulder with 12 points each and an identical points percentage of 33.33%, jointly occupying the sixth spot.
Meanwhile, Pakistan ascended one rank to claim the fourth position with a 36.66% points percentage, while West Indies surged to fifth place with a higher tally of 16 points despite sharing a similar points percentage with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
On the field, Bangladesh commenced the day’s play at 47/5, with Mominul Haque and Taijul Islam at the crease. However, Sri Lanka’s Kasun Rajitha struck early in the morning, dismissing Islam for 6.
Despite the setback, Mehidy Hasan Miraz joined Haque, and together they initiated Bangladesh’s recovery. Yet, their efforts fell short as Rajitha claimed his second scalp of the day, removing Miraz for 33. Bangladesh entered lunch at 129/7, with a daunting task of chasing 382 runs for victory.
Haque exhibited resilience, amassing an unbeaten 87 runs, but with only three wickets in hand, Bangladesh’s defeat loomed large. Rajitha further tightened the screws, completing his five-wicket haul shortly after lunch, marking his second in Test cricket.
With Haque standing tall amidst the ruins, Bangladesh succumbed to defeat. The teams will clash once more in the final encounter of the series, the second Test in Chattogram, commencing on 30th March.
