India strengthen WTC Final chances, consolidate position at No.2 | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: With a thrilling three-wicket win in Dhaka in the second Test and a 2-0 series sweep against Bangladesh on Sunday, Team India consolidated their no.2 position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
The clean sweep against Bangladesh has brightened India’s hope for a back-to-back WTC final appearance as they remain second behind leaders Australia on the table.
With the win, India improved their win-percentage from 55.77 to 58.93 ahead of crucial home series against Australia (4 Tests) due in February-March next year.

(Photo credit: ICC)
Chasing 145 against Bangladesh in the second Test, India were in real trouble at 74 for 7 but Ravichandran Ashwin (42 not out ) and Shreyas Iyer (29 not out) held fort and stitched unbeaten 71 runs for the eighth-wicket to pull off a terrific win on the fourth day.
India still need to produce some good results during their series against pacesetters Australia if they are to make it to back-to-back appearances in the WTC final.
Australia are in the box seat to qualify for their first WTC final, with the Pat Cummins’ side currently holding a healthy lead at the top of the standings with 76.92 per cent of possible points.
Fresh from their six-wicket win over South Africa, Australia have two more matches at home against the Proteas in Melbourne and Sydney.
Four Tests in India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February and March next year will be Australia’s final assignment in this period, but they also have the chance to seal their place in the ongoing home series.
India took the second place after Dean Elgar side’s loss but the Proteas can still have an opportunity to reclaim their place inside the top two by bouncing back in the ongoing series in Australia.
South Africa do have the luxury of two matches at home against the West Indies in February and March.
(With inputs from PTI)