Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Test Cricket Returns with WTC Implications

The long-awaited return of Test cricket is here as Bangladesh hosts Pakistan in a two-match series, starting May 8. This series is pivotal for the World Test Championship standings, with India closely monitoring the outcomes. Pakistan currently holds fifth place, while India is in sixth, and the results of this series could lead to significant changes in the rankings. Bangladesh's previous success against Pakistan adds an intriguing layer to the competition. Explore how the series could impact the standings and what India needs to do to climb above Pakistan.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 8, 2026, 06:48 IST

Test Cricket Resumes with Bangladesh Hosting Pakistan

After a five-month hiatus, Test cricket is set to make a comeback as Bangladesh welcomes Pakistan for the first of two Test matches starting on May 8 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. This series also marks the resumption of the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC). All eyes will be on this matchup, particularly from the Indian team, as the fourth edition of the tournament begins to take shape with just a year remaining until the finals. Currently, Pakistan sits in fifth place with a 50% points tally, while India trails closely in sixth with 48.15%. However, the standings could shift significantly depending on the outcomes of this series, potentially allowing the Shubman Gill-led squad to leapfrog Pakistan.

India's Path to Surpassing Pakistan in the WTC Standings

How India Can Go Above Pakistan in Table After Bangladesh-Pakistan Series

India will be hoping for a repeat of Bangladesh's previous success against Pakistan in Test cricket. In August 2024, Bangladesh achieved a remarkable 2-0 victory over Pakistan in their home series, marking the first time Pakistan lost a Test series to Bangladesh. For Pakistan to maintain their position above India in the standings, they must secure at least one win in this two-match series. Conversely, for India to surpass their rivals, Pakistan must lose the series by either a 2-0 or 1-0 margin. If Pakistan manages to win the series 2-0, 1-0, or even draws 1-1, they will remain ahead of India. Notably, if Bangladesh wins the series 2-0, they will rise to fifth place, pushing India down to sixth. The only scenario in which India can climb to fifth is if Bangladesh wins the series 1-0.

WTC 2025-27 Standings Before the Series

WTC 2025-27 Table Before Bangladesh vs Pakistan Series

Current WTC Campaigns of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India

Pakistan, Bangladesh, India's WTC Campaign So Far

In this WTC cycle, both Pakistan and Bangladesh have participated in only one series thus far. Pakistan managed to draw their home series against South Africa 1-1, while Bangladesh faced a setback, losing 1-0 in a two-match series against Sri Lanka. In contrast, India has been more active, having played three series. They drew a five-match series 2-2 with England, followed by a 2-0 victory against the West Indies in a two-match series. However, they faced a disappointing 2-0 defeat against South Africa at home.