Bangladesh leapfrog India in WTC27 standings after 2-0 sweep of Pakistan
Synopsis
Bangladesh have done what India could not this year — win a Test series. Their 2-0 sweep of Pakistan in Sylhet, powered by Taijul Islam's six-wicket haul, has pushed Bangladesh to fifth in the WTC27 standings at 58.33%, nudging India down to sixth. It is Bangladesh's second straight series sweep of Pakistan and their first on home soil.
Key Takeaways
Bangladesh defeated Pakistan by 78 runs in the second Test at Sylhet to complete a 2-0 series sweep on 20 May .
Bangladesh moved to fifth place in the WTC 2027 standings with a win-loss percentage of 58.33% .
India dropped to sixth place with 48.15 points from nine Tests (4 wins, 4 losses, 1 draw).
Taijul Islam claimed six wickets , while Shoriful Islam removed Mohammad Rizwan (94) on the final day.
This is Bangladesh's first home series win against Pakistan and their second successive 2-0 sweep of Pakistan.
Pakistan remain in eighth place on the WTC27 standings.
Bangladesh have climbed above India in the ICC World Test Championship 2027 standings after sealing a commanding 78-run victory over Pakistan in the second Test at Sylhet on Wednesday, 20 May. The win completed a 2-0 series sweep, Bangladesh's first at home against Pakistan.
How the Final Day Unfolded
Pakistan resumed the final day on 316 for 7, chasing a formidable 437-run target. The tail added 42 runs before the innings folded for 358 in 97.2 overs. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a fighting 94 off 166 balls, striking 10 boundaries, while Sajid Khan contributed a gritty 28. However, Pakistan lost their last three wickets without adding to the total after reaching 358, ending their hopes of what would have been a record chase.
Bangladesh's Bowling Stars
Spinner Taijul Islam was the wrecker-in-chief, finishing with six wickets in the innings, including two scalps on the final morning. Shoriful Islam delivered the pivotal blow, dismissing the well-set Rizwan for 94 to effectively end Pakistan's resistance and hand Bangladesh the decisive advantage.
WTC27 Standings Shake-Up
The victory propelled Bangladesh to fifth place in the WTC 2027 standings with a win-loss percentage of 58.33%. India, who have not played a Test this year, slipped to sixth place with 48.15 points from nine Tests — four wins, four defeats, and one draw. Pakistan remain rooted in eighth place following the series loss.
Historic Context and What It Means
This series triumph is Bangladesh's first at home against Pakistan and their second consecutive 2-0 sweep of their Asian rivals, following a historic away win on Pakistani soil in 2024. Notably, India's next scheduled Test — a one-off fixture against Afghanistan — falls outside the WTC cycle and will not affect their standings. With the WTC 2027 final still some distance away, India's position could shift sharply once they return to Test action, but Bangladesh's rise signals a genuine shift in Asian Test cricket's pecking order.
Point of View
And the first delivered on home turf. India's slide to sixth, by contrast, is a product of inactivity as much as inconsistency: nine Tests played, four losses, and no Test scheduled in the WTC cycle before the Afghanistan fixture. The standings gap between fifth and sixth may look narrow now, but if Bangladesh sustain this form and India continue to drop points in away conditions, the conversation about Bangladesh as a genuine WTC contender will be unavoidable. Asian Test cricket's hierarchy is quietly being redrawn.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh leapfrog India in the WTC 2027 standings?
Bangladesh moved to fifth place with a 58.33% win-loss record after completing a 2-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan in Sylhet on 20 May. India, with 48.15 points from nine Tests, slipped to sixth as they have not played a Test match this year.
What was the result of the second Test between Bangladesh and Pakistan in Sylhet?
Bangladesh won by 78 runs. Pakistan, chasing 437, were bowled out for 358 on the final day despite a fighting 94 from Mohammad Rizwan.
Who were the standout performers for Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test?
Spinner Taijul Islam was the key bowler, taking six wickets in the innings including two on the final day. Shoriful Islam took the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan for 94 to seal Bangladesh's victory.
Is this Bangladesh's first series win against Pakistan at home?
Yes, this is Bangladesh's first Test series victory against Pakistan on home soil. It is also their second consecutive 2-0 sweep of Pakistan, following their historic series win in Pakistan in 2024.
How does India's upcoming Afghanistan Test affect their WTC standing?
India's scheduled one-off Test against Afghanistan falls outside the WTC cycle and will have no bearing on their standings. India's WTC position will only change when they return to cycle matches.
