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| File photo : WTC |
In a significant turn of events, India has claimed the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, propelled by Australia's impressive 172-run triumph over hosts New Zealand in the opening Test at Wellington.
Game Highlights:
Australia, led by Cameron Green's stellar 174*, posted a total of 383 in their first innings. Matt Henry's five-wicket haul limited New Zealand to 179 in reply. Glenn Phillips' noteworthy 71 and a maiden Test fifer in the second innings contributed to Australia's score of 164. Chasing a target of 369, New Zealand succumbed to Nathan Lyon's six-wicket haul, getting bowled out for 196.
Shuffle in WTC Standings:
The Kiwis, previously holding the top position, have now slipped to second place after this defeat. With 36 points and a points percentage of 60%, New Zealand has won three out of five matches and lost two in the current WTC cycle. Their earlier 1-1 draw against Bangladesh contributed to their current standings.
Australia retains their third position in the WTC standings, having played 11 Test matches, winning seven, losing three, and securing one draw. Their points tally stands at 78, with a points percentage of 59.09%. The Aussies showcased dominance in their previous Test series, demolishing Pakistan 3-0.
India's Rise to the Pinnacle:
With New Zealand's descent, India has now claimed the top spot in the WTC standings. Winning five out of eight matches in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, India has accumulated 62 points, boasting a points percentage of 64.58%. Despite a setback after losing the first Test against England in the ongoing series, three consecutive victories propelled India back to the summit.
England's Struggles:
On the other hand, England faced a downturn, slipping to seventh place after consecutive defeats in the Visakhapatnam and Rajkot Tests against India. With four losses out of eight Tests in this cycle, England has 21 points and a points percentage of 19.44%. Their earlier 2-2 draw in the Ashes couldn't salvage their current standings.
Positions of Pakistan and West Indies:
Pakistan holds the fifth position with 22 points and a 36.66% points percentage, featuring two wins and three defeats. Meanwhile, West Indies secures the sixth spot with two defeats, a win, and a draw, accumulating 16 points. Their recent 1-1 tied series against Australia in Brisbane enhanced their points percentage to 33.33%.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and South Africa:
Bangladesh holds the fourth position with 12 points and a 50% points percentage, securing one win and suffering a defeat. Sri Lanka finds themselves at the bottom, having lost both Tests in this cycle. South Africa occupies the seventh spot with 12 points and a 25% points percentage, winning just one out of their four Tests.
WTC Points System:
The ICC WTC standings are determined by the percentage of points earned. Each win earns a team 12 points, a draw awards four points to each team, and a tie results in six points for both teams. No points are deducted for a loss, but teams can face deductions due to slow over-rates.
In the ever-evolving landscape of Test cricket, the ICC WTC standings reflect the dynamic performances of teams as they strive for excellence on the global stage.
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