Pakistan emerged victorious to claim the top position in the WTC 2023-2025 points table, as the second test between India and West Indies was marred by rain, leading to a washout. With this unfortunate outcome, India lost its grip on the top spot, allowing Pakistan to take the lead.
Before the start of the rain-affected second test, both India and Pakistan were tied at equal percentage points (PCT). However, luck favored Pakistan as the match didn't go in India's favor, resulting in their percentage points dropping to 66.67 PCT.
As the WTC competition intensifies, Australia currently holds the third position with 54.17 PCT, followed by England in fourth place with 29.17 PCT, and West Indies settling in the fifth position with 16.67 PCT.
With their top position secured, Pakistan now has a golden opportunity to solidify their lead by aiming for a whitewash against Sri Lanka in the ongoing second test at Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. In the first test against Sri Lanka, Pakistan emerged victorious, defeating them by four wickets.
In the second test, Pakistan continued to dominate, with the Sri Lankan team bowled out for a mere 166 runs on Day 1. On Day 2, Pakistan displayed their prowess, reaching a score of 178 for two (at the time of writing), already establishing a lead of 12 runs.
Meanwhile, India managed to secure a triumph in their first test against West Indies, winning by an innings and 14 runs and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. However, their hopes for retaining the top position were dashed when the second test was washed out due to rain.
The competition remains fierce as both Australia, the reigning WTC winner, and England strive to amass more points in the WTC points table. Australia currently leads the Ashes series with a 2-1 advantage, and with the fourth test abandoned due to rain, they are set to retain the Ashes trophy.
England, on the other hand, missed their chance to level the series in the fourth test, making the upcoming fifth test crucial for them to salvage a draw in the Ashes series.
Looking ahead, after the Ashes, Australia is scheduled to face Pakistan at home in December-January, promising another exciting chapter in the fiercely contested World Test Championship.