India took a major step towards securing a place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time after a 7-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the second Test in Kanpur on Tuesday, 1 October. This win gave India a 2-0 sweep of the series and solidified their lead at the top of the WTC standings.
Despite the second and third days of the Test being completely washed out and only 35 overs being bowled on the first day, India delivered a remarkable all-round performance to secure the victory.
This result keeps India in a commanding position in the WTC, having played 11 matches, with eight wins, two losses, and one draw, earning a total of 98 points. Their points percentage has now risen to 74.24%.
India is now set to extend their points tally with an upcoming three-match Test series against New Zealand. The BlackCaps, led by Tim Southee, will begin their tour of India with the first Test in Bengaluru on 16 October, followed by matches in Pune and Mumbai.
Following the New Zealand series, India will face Australia in a highly anticipated five-match Test series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This series could determine the top spot in the WTC standings. India can secure their place in the WTC final, scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s, if they can sweep New Zealand 3-0. Should they fail to achieve that, the series against Australia will carry extra weight.
Australia currently sits second in the WTC standings, with eight wins, three losses, and one draw, giving them 90 points and a points percentage of 62.50%. Sri Lanka, who holds third place with a points percentage of 55.56%, could still challenge Australia, with two Tests in South Africa on their schedule.