India continued their dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, securing a convincing victory over Bangladesh in the rain-affected second Test at Kanpur. This emphatic win not only sealed a 2-0 series sweep but also solidified their position at the pinnacle of the WTC table. The opening three days of the Kanpur Test were marred by rain and a wet outfield, threatening a potential washout. However, Rohit Sharma’s men displayed their resilience, capitalizing on limited playing time to dismantle Bangladesh twice.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli playfully winks at Litton Das after India’s emphatic win over Bangladesh in the Kanpur Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal shines again, bowling trio wrecks Bangladesh batting

Young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his rich vein of form, scoring another half-century (51 runs) in the second innings. This knock, coupled with an unbeaten 29 from Virat Kohli, helped India chase down a modest target of 95 runs with ease.

The true heroes of the match, however, were India’s bowling attack. The experienced trio of Ravichandran Ashwin (3/50), Ravindra Jadeja (3/34), and Jasprit Bumrah (3/17) shared nine wickets between them in the second innings, restricting Bangladesh to a paltry 146 runs. This dominant bowling display effectively ended any Bangladeshi hopes of a comeback.

Earlier, Ashwin, Jadeja, and Bumrah had already wreaked havoc in the first innings, adding just 120 runs to Bangladesh’s overnight score of 26/2. Overnight batter Shadman Islam offered some resistance with a fifty (50 runs), but it proved insufficient against India’s bowling might.

WTC 2023-25 standings reflect India’s supremacy

The victory in Kanpur has significantly impacted the WTC standings. India, with 98 points and a Percentage of Points Won (PCT) of 74.24, remain comfortably at the top of the table. Australia, despite having played one more match, sit second with 90 points and a PCT of 62.50. Sri Lanka completes the top three with 60 points and a PCT of 55.56.

Bangladesh’s defeat has severely dented their WTC aspirations. They currently hold seventh place with 33 points and a PCT of 34.38. Even if they win their remaining four Test matches (two each against South Africa and West Indies), their points tally wouldn’t be enough to challenge for a spot in the WTC final.

This series win further strengthens India’s position as the team to beat in the WTC race. With their potent batting lineup and a world-class bowling attack, they are well on course to secure a place in the WTC final, scheduled for 2025.

Also READ: Cricket fraternity celebrates as India complete 2-0 whitewash against Bangladesh in the Test series