How India’s WTC final hopes take a hit after Bangladesh's historic win over Australia: Explained
Cameron Green's maiden Test century at home delayed the result, but Bangladesh had already taken control of the match after three-and-a-half days of cricket on a Marrara Stadium pitch that offered a good contest between bat and ball.
Bangladesh stunned Australia in a nine-wicket Test victory at Marrara Stadium on Sunday, marking a significant win in the Test cricket arena and casting a shadow over Australia's challenging upcoming Test schedule. Despite Cameron Green's century, Bangladesh had already taken command after three and a half days of play on the pitch that favored both bat and ball.
The unexpected result came as Australia had previously reached the last two World Test Championship (WTC) finals and won 18 of their last 23 Tests, while Bangladesh had lost 22 of their last 26 Tests outside Asia, including recent defeats against Zimbabwe and a Cricket Australia XI. This historic win was Bangladesh's first in Australia since 2003 and their first long-format Test in the country in 23 years.
It has also altered the WTC standings, pushing Bangladesh to 66.67% while India remains at 48.15%. India had hoped their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka would bolster their WTC aspirations, but rain disrupted the second day of the Galle Test, leaving them vulnerable. India's remaining WTC fixtures see them travel to New Zealand for two Tests and then host Australia in a five-Test series, where a near-perfect 4-0 win might be necessary to stay competitive for the WTC final.
The current WTC standings are: Australia leads with 77.77%, followed by South Africa at 75%, New Zealand at 72.22%, Bangladesh at 66.67%, and India at 48.15%.
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