India’s home Test season for 2024-25 began in familiar fashion, with the hosts overpowering Bangladesh to secure a comprehensive 280-run victory. With this win, India not only strengthened their position in the World Test Championship (WTC) but also showcased their dominance in home conditions.
India’s performance
On an overcast first day, Bangladesh captain chose to bowl first, hoping to exploit the helpful conditions. The pitch offered some assistance for the bowlers early on, and India’s top-order batters struggled initially. Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Virat Kohli fell early, leaving India in a precarious position at 94-5.
Just when Bangladesh seemed in control, Ravichandran Ashwin walked in and changed the game with a brilliant counter-attacking century. His aggressive approach threw Bangladesh off guard, as he smashed his way to a century, his sixth in Test cricket.
In response to India’s first-innings total of 376, Bangladesh crumbled under the pressure applied by India’s fast bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah was lethal with the new ball, taking 4-50 and causing Bangladesh to fold for just 149.
India’s second innings saw the young talents of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant shine. Gill’s unbeaten 119 and Pant’s blistering 109 put the match beyond Bangladesh’s reach. With India declaring at 287-4 in their second innings, Bangladesh were set a target of 515 runs. The enormity of the target, coupled with the deteriorating pitch conditions, left Bangladesh with a near-impossible task. India’s spinners, led by Ashwin, were eager to take advantage of the situation.
Bangladesh’s attempt to chase 515 was met with an unrelenting bowling performance from Ashwin, who again proved why he’s one of the best spinners in the world. His 6-88 in the second innings was a masterclass in spin bowling, as he deceived the Bangladesh batters with his variations and precision. Bangladesh’s resistance crumbled, and they were bowled out for 234, giving India a victory by 280 runs.
Ravichandran Ashwin: Player of the Match
Ashwin was deservedly named Player of the Match, not just for his 10 wickets but also for his crucial century in the first innings. His all-round contribution was instrumental in India’s victory, and he continues to enhance his legacy as one of the best all-rounders in Test cricket.
India’s position in the WTC points table
After this emphatic win, India has further consolidated its position at the top of the World Test Championship points table. With a points percentage (PCT) of 71.66 and 86 points from 10 Tests, India has extended its lead over second-placed Australia by 9.16%. This win has put India in a strong position to qualify for the WTC final.
For Bangladesh, this defeat has been a setback. Their WTC points percentage dropped to 39.28, pushing them down from fourth to sixth on the table. Both Sri Lanka and England have moved up one spot each.
Updated World Test Championship 2023-25 points table | ||||||||
| Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points Won | Points Deducted | PCT | |
| 1 | India | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 86 | 2 | 71.66% |
| 2 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 10 | 62.5% |
| 3 | New Zealand | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 50% |
| 4 | Sri Lanka | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 36 | 0 | 42.86% |
| 5 | England | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 81 | 19 | 42.19% |
| 6 | Bangladesh | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 33 | 3 | 39.28% |
| 7 | South Africa | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 28 | 0 | 38.89% |
| 8 | Pakistan | 7 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 8 | 19.05% |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 0 | 18.52% |
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