Bangladesh vs Pakistan: Test Cricket Returns with WTC Implications
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.