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The first Test of the ongoing two-match series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand concluded with a resounding victory for the hosts. Sri Lanka secured a 63-run win, pushing them up the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table and displacing New Zealand from their position. This victory marks Sri Lanka's second consecutive win in the WTC, solidifying their position as a formidable force in Test cricket.
The match, played at the Galle International Stadium, saw Sri Lanka set a target of 275 runs for New Zealand to chase. Despite a valiant effort by Rachin Ravindra, who top-scored for the Kiwis with 92 runs, New Zealand ultimately fell short, being bowled out for 211 runs in their second innings. This defeat sent New Zealand plummeting to the No. 4 spot in the WTC table, with a percentage of 42.86. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's successful chase propelled them to No. 3, boasting a 50.00 percentage.
At the summit of the WTC points table remains India, led by Rohit Sharma. Their recent dominance in Test cricket is evident in their commanding 71.67 percentage, securing their position as the world's No. 2 Test team. This dominance was further showcased in their resounding 280-run victory against Bangladesh in the first Test of their ongoing two-match series. The victory in Chennai solidified India's standing as a top contender in the WTC, with their next challenge being a three-match Test series against New Zealand next month.
The upcoming series against New Zealand promises to be an exciting clash, with the first Test scheduled in Bengaluru, followed by matches in Pune and Mumbai. Beyond this series, India's focus will shift to the five-match Test series against Australia, starting on November 22 in Perth. This series, with its high stakes and competitive spirit, will be a crucial determinant in shaping the WTC standings and ultimately, the contenders for the final match.
The WTC final, scheduled to take place at Lord's next year, will witness the top two teams from the points table vying for the prestigious title. India, having participated in the finals of both the 2021 and 2023 editions, will be aiming to go one step further and claim the championship. The battle for the final spot will be intense, with teams like Australia and Sri Lanka poised to challenge India's dominance. As the WTC progresses, the competition promises to be fierce and unpredictable, with each series holding the potential to reshape the standings and determine the ultimate champion.
Source: WTC 2023-25 Points Table: Sri Lanka Overtake New Zealand After Winning 1st Test; India Still At Top