ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka’s resounding 192-run triumph over Bangladesh in the second Test in Chattogram significantly bolsters their bid for a spot in next year’s ICC World Test Championship final. Securing victory in the opening session on the final day of the series, Sri Lanka wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 sweep, with Khaled Ahmed being the last Bangladesh batter to depart at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
This victory propels Sri Lanka to fourth place in the updated World Test Championship standings, overtaking Pakistan with a 50 percent points percentage. Positioned behind only India, Australia, and New Zealand, Sri Lanka’s ascent underscores their growing prowess in the Test arena.
Despite the impressive away series triumph, Sri Lanka still have two home series remaining in this cycle against New Zealand and Australia, providing ample opportunity to further enhance their standing. Their immediate focus shifts to a three-match series in England, commencing in August, where they aim to carry forward the momentum gained from their Bangladesh conquest.
Throughout the series, Sri Lanka displayed dominance, with Kamindu Mendis emerging as the top run-scorer, amassing 367 runs at an impressive average of 122.33. Mendis’s unbeaten 92 in the first innings paved the way for Sri Lanka’s commanding total of 531, while the bowlers, led by Asitha Fernando and Lahiru Kumara, effectively dismantled the Bangladesh batting lineup to secure victory.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s descent to equal seventh in the World Test Championship standings serves as a stark reminder of the challenges they face. With their next series against Pakistan later this year, Bangladesh will seek to regroup and strive for better fortunes in the Test arena.
