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Sri Lanka achieved a landmark victory against England at The Kennington Oval, successfully chasing down 219 runs and securing their first Test win over England in a decade. Despite losing the series 1-2, this win has significantly impacted the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. Pathum Nissanka’s outstanding century was instrumental in their triumph, highlighting his importance in Sri Lanka’s Test setup. With this victory, Sri Lanka have risen to the fifth spot in the WTC standings, boasting a Percentage of Points (PCT) of 42.85.
Path to the WTC final for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s position: With their recent win, Sri Lanka have climbed to fifth in the WTC standings. They have won three out of seven Test matches in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, yielding a win percentage of 42.86. This puts them slightly ahead of England, who have won eight out of 16 Test matches, with a win percentage of 42.19. South Africa, in seventh place, has a win percentage of 38.89.
Remaining Fixtures: To enhance their chances of reaching the WTC final, Sri Lanka will face crucial challenges:
- Against New Zealand: Sri Lanka will host New Zealand for two important Tests later this month. Securing victories in these matches is crucial for improving their PCT and climbing the WTC table.
- Against South Africa: Sri Lanka will also play an away series against South Africa, which will test their strength and consistency. Success in this series is vital for their chances of a top-four finish.
Key factors for success:
- Consistency: Maintaining strong performance across all matches is essential. Sri Lanka must deliver solid performances in both batting and bowling departments.
- Key Players: Players like Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis who has been in exceptional form, need to continue their impactful performances. Their ability to adapt and perform under pressure will be crucial for Sri Lanka’s success.
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England’s position and challenges
England’s recent defeat has adversely affected their standing, dropping them to sixth place with a PCT of 42.18. They face a demanding schedule with six Test matches remaining – three against Pakistan and three against New Zealand, all away from home. To stay in contention for the WTC final, England must secure victories in these matches and improve their PCT.
With India and Australia dominating the top positions, the race for third to sixth place is intense. Sri Lanka’s recent win has strengthened their position and provided hope for a top-four finish. However, they must perform well in their upcoming series. England, meanwhile, faces a critical period ahead, needing to win their remaining matches to recover their standing and remain in the race for the WTC final.
Current ICC World Test Championship standings: Key changes and Team positions
India have surged to the top of the table with 74 points and a PCT of 68.52%, showing strong performance in their recent matches. Australia holds the second position with 90 points and a PCT of 62.50%, reflecting their solid form. New Zealand, with 36 points and a PCT of 50.00%, has dropped slightly but remains competitive. Bangladesh are in fourth place with 33 points and a PCT of 45.83%, having shown mixed results. South Africa and Pakistan are in the lower half, with South Africa accumulating 28 points and a PCT of 38.89%, and Pakistan lagging with 16 points and a PCT of 19.05%. The West Indies are currently at the bottom of the table with just 20 points and a PCT of 18.52%
