In a commanding performance, India secured a comprehensive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test of the Bangladesh tour of India 2024. This victory have further solidified India’s position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, maintaining a formidable lead in the race to the final.

Indian players dominate the first Test

India’s triumph was built on an all-round effort from both bat and ball, showcasing the team’s depth and skill. The star of the match was Ravichandran Ashwin, who was named Player of the Match for his stellar contribution in both innings. Ashwin’s century in the first innings set the tone for India’s dominance, while his outstanding bowling performance, including six wickets in Bangladesh’s second innings, sealed the victory. He received strong support from Ravindra Jadeja, who added a crucial half-century in the first innings, further strengthening India’s position.

In the second innings, it was the young duo of Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill who took center stage, both notching centuries. Their aggressive approach ensured India set a massive target for Bangladesh, ultimately leading to an emphatic win.

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India stand strong in World Test Championship Standings

With this victory against Bangladesh, India now stands atop the WTC standings with 86 points from 10 matches, having won 7, lost 2, and drawn 1. This leaves India in a commanding position heading into the upcoming matches, particularly the crucial five-Test series against Australia, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. Scheduled to begin on November 22, 2024, this series will likely determine who secures the top spot in the WTC standings.

Australia currently sit second in the WTC table with 90 points from 12 matches, boasting 8 wins. With both teams in strong form, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a pivotal contest in the race to the WTC final.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and New Zealand remain in contention, occupying the third and fourth spots, respectively. Sri Lanka have 48 points, while New Zealand trail with 36 points. England rounds out the top five with 81 points, despite facing stiff competition from the chasing teams. Bangladesh, following their defeat to India, finds themselves in sixth place with 33 points.

WTC final set for Lord’s in 2025

As the WTC cycle progresses, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially confirmed that the final of the WTC 2023-25 will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from June 11 to 15, 2025. With India and Australia currently leading the charge, fans are eagerly awaiting to see who will claim the coveted spots in the summit clash at the iconic venue.

India’s next challenge comes in the form of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where both teams will look to secure their path to Lord’s. As the WTC standings tighten and the competition intensifies, the battle for supremacy in Test cricket is far from over.

Also READ: BCCI announces India squad for the second Test against Bangladesh

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