In a rain-affected second Test at Green Park, Kanpur, India showcased their dominance by defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets, completing a clean sweep of the two-match series. Despite losing significant playing time due to rain and wet outfield, India managed to secure a result on the final day, consolidating their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table.
The match, which commenced on September 27, 2024, faced multiple interruptions due to inclement weather, with only 35 overs bowled on the first day, and days 2 and 3 being entirely washed out. Nonetheless, India seized control in the limited time available, making sure they continued their unbeaten home record.
Bangladesh’s Resilient First Innings Effort
Bangladesh, having lost the first Test in Chennai, put up a fight in the first innings, scoring 233 runs. Overnight batter Shadman Islam held the innings together with a gritty 50, while contributions from Najmul Hossain Shanto (38) and Litton Das (44) provided some resistance against India’s potent bowling attack. However, the trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja wreaked havoc, each picking up three wickets. Ashwin’s economical 3/50, Jadeja’s 3/34, and Bumrah’s fiery 3/17 ensured that Bangladesh could not post a competitive total.
India’s Aggressive Response
India, led by captain Rohit Sharma, was determined to set a brisk pace. The home team posted 285/9 in just 74 overs before declaring on Day 4, taking a crucial 52-run lead. Rohit Sharma (63) and Shubman Gill (72) laid a solid foundation, while lower-order contributions from Ravindra Jadeja (41) and Axar Patel (30*) helped India to a commanding position. Bangladesh’s bowlers, particularly Taskin Ahmed, who took 4/74, tried to contain India, but the hosts’ aggressive approach ensured they stayed ahead.
Bangladesh Collapse in the Second Innings
On Day 5, India aimed for a result and made quick work of Bangladesh’s second innings. Reduced to 26/2 at the start of the final day, Bangladesh were bundled out for just 146 runs, giving India a modest target of 95 runs to win. The experienced trio of Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bumrah once again proved to be the difference, each claiming three wickets to dismantle the visitors’ batting order. Shadman Islam’s 50 was the only bright spot for Bangladesh in an otherwise lackluster display.
India Cruise to Victory
India wasted no time chasing down the target of 95 in just 17.2 overs, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a fluent 51 and Virat Kohli remaining unbeaten on 29. India secured a comfortable seven-wicket victory, sweeping the series 2-0.
India’s Position in the World Test Championship
With this win, India strengthened their position atop the WTC 2023-25 points table. India now have 98 points from 11 matches, with eight wins, two losses, and one draw. Their PCT (percentage of points won) stands at an impressive 74.24%, significantly ahead of second-placed Australia, who have a PCT of 62.50%. India’s consistent performances at home, coupled with important overseas victories, have put them in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final.
Australia, currently second with 90 points from 12 matches, remain in the hunt for a final spot, while Sri Lanka, with 60 points and a PCT of 55.56%, occupy third place.
Bangladesh’s Struggles Continue
Bangladesh’s defeat in the second Test marked a significant blow to their WTC campaign. With three wins and five losses from eight matches, Bangladesh’s PCT of 34.38 places them in seventh position on the table. Although they have shown glimpses of improvement, especially in home conditions, their struggles away from home continue to hinder their progress.
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WTC 2023-25 Updated Standings (as of October 1, 2024):
| Position | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 11 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 98 | 74.24 |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | England | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 81 | 42.19 |
| 5 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 38.89 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 36 | 37.50 |
| 7 | Bangladesh | 8 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 33 | 34.38 |
| 8 | Pakistan | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 19.05 |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |
What’s Next for India and Bangladesh?
India’s next WTC assignment will be a crucial Test series against South Africa at home, which could further solidify their position in the race for the WTC final. On the other hand, Bangladesh will look to regroup and improve their performances when they face Sri Lanka in their next Test series.
With India leading the pack in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, their path to the final seems increasingly clear. However, with crucial Test matches lined up for the rest of the cycle, the competition remains intense as teams like Australia and Sri Lanka aim to close the gap.
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