Dhaka:Bangladesh has fallen to fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings following a significant eight-wicket defeat to the West Indies in the opening Test of their two-match series.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this loss saw Bangladesh's points percentage decrease from 55.56 to 47.62, allowing India to advance to fourth place with a current standing of 51.52 percent. The West Indies, improving their points percentage from 20.83 to 26.92, remain in eighth place but have closed the gap on seventh-placed Sri Lanka, who hold a points percentage of 33.33.
The match saw the West Indies successfully chase a target of 170, scoring 172-2 in just 35.1 overs on Day 4, despite interruptions from rain, lightning, and poor light. Brandon King led the successful chase with an unbeaten 81, and John Campbell contributed 49 runs. Kevam Hodge supported the effort with 31 not out, helping the team secure victory with ease.
West Indies captain Roston Chase expressed the team's ambition to improve their WTC standings, aiming to finish at least at number six or five. The team's performance in this Test was a crucial step toward achieving that goal.
Bangladesh's struggle began with a first innings total of 272, highlighted by Shadman Islam's 105. West Indies bowler Jomel Warrican took five wickets. In response, the West Indies scored 245, with notable contributions from John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, and Roston Chase. Bangladesh's second innings collapse to 142 set the stage for the West Indies' comfortable chase.
Elsewhere in the WTC standings, Australia dropped from first to third following a 176-run defeat to South Africa in Cape Town. South Africa moved up to second place with a points percentage increase to 71.43, while New Zealand took the top spot with 72.22 percent. Australia's percentage dropped to 69.23 after being bowled out for 111 in their final day chase of 288.