Dhaka, Aug 17 (V7N)- Bangladesh's historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin has not only given the Tigers their first Test win on Australian soil but also significantly strengthened their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings.
The victory has taken Bangladesh's points percentage to 66.67, with the Tigers moving up to fourth place in the table after three wins and one draw from five matches.
Only Australia, with 77.78 percent, South Africa with 75 percent and New Zealand with 72.22 percent are currently ahead of Bangladesh. The Tigers have moved above teams including India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
However, finishing in the top two is essential for Bangladesh to qualify for the WTC final. Maintaining a points percentage above 65 percent would keep the Tigers firmly in contention, but the team will need to maintain its strong form throughout the remainder of the championship cycle.
Tough challenges ahead
Bangladesh still have one Test remaining in the ongoing series against Australia. They will then face challenging series against South Africa, England and the West Indies, with two Tests scheduled against each opponent.
To keep their hopes of reaching the final alive, Bangladesh will likely need to collect around 60 to 70 percent of the available points from those matches.
The Tigers will also have to monitor the results of teams currently above them. The upcoming contests between South Africa and New Zealand could provide Bangladesh with an opportunity to climb further up the standings if points are dropped by either side.
Bangladesh's nine-wicket triumph in Darwin has therefore given the team an important boost in its WTC campaign.
Whether the Tigers can ultimately secure a place in the championship final at The Oval next June remains to be seen. But after their recent performances, the prospect of Bangladesh competing for the Test world title is becoming increasingly realistic.
END/SMA/AJ
