Pakistan at the top in WTC25 standings following series sweep over Sri Lanka
Pakistan Cricket team put on a dominant display in the second Test against Sri Lanka, securing an innings victory and clinching a 2-0 series win in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. The impressive performance earned them crucial points in the championship standings.
Starting their WTC25 campaign on a strong note, Pakistan achieved an away series victory against Sri Lanka. They showcased their bowling prowess as Noman Ali took center stage on Day 4, delivering a scintillating performance with figures of 7/70 in Sri Lanka’s second innings, limiting them to just 188 runs. Abdullah Shafique’s outstanding batting display of 201 earned him the Player of the Match award.
With this comprehensive series sweep, Pakistan further solidified its position at the top of the WTC25 standings. Babar Azam’s men collected 24 points from their two wins, earning 12 points for each Test match with a perfect 100 percent record. Meanwhile, India, now ranked second, secured 16 points (66.67%) from their 1-0 series victory over West Indies.
Earlier in the match, Pakistan resumed Day 4 with a commanding total of 563/5 and declared their innings after Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed’s concussion replacement, reached his half-century. The visitors posted an imposing first innings total of 576/5, taking a massive lead of 410 runs. Pakistan’s spinner Abrar Ahmed played a pivotal role, claiming an impressive 4/69 as Sri Lanka struggled to 166 in their first innings.
Sri Lanka began their second innings with a promising 69-run partnership between their openers, but Noman Ali’s breakthrough wicket of Nishan Madushka for 33 broke their momentum. Noman’s superb bowling continued after lunch, and he claimed the crucial wicket of Sri Lanka’s skipper Dimuth Karunaratne for 41, triggering a collapse of the hosts’ batting line-up.
Experienced players Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews attempted to rebuild the innings, but Noman was relentless. He picked up two wickets in two overs, dismissing both Kusal and Dinesh Chandimal in quick succession. Noman went on to claim three more wickets, finishing with an outstanding career-best spell of 7/70.
Naseem Shah joined the party, taking the final three wickets with bowled dismissals, concluding Sri Lanka’s innings at 188. The fast bowler ended the match with figures of 6/85, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s dominant victory.
Overall, Pakistan showcased their prowess in all aspects of the game, sealing a remarkable victory and asserting their dominance in the ICC World Test Championship.
