India's Nail-Biting Victory at The Oval: A Boost for WTC Campaign
India Triumphs Over England in Thrilling Test Match
London: In a gripping encounter, India secured a narrow six-run victory against England in the fifth Test at The Oval, successfully leveling the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at 2-2. This win also provided a significant boost to India's ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign.
Following this match, India ascended to third place in the WTC standings, accumulating 28 points from five matches, resulting in a points percentage (PCT) of 46.67.
The match concluded dramatically, with England requiring just 35 runs on the final day and four wickets remaining. However, Indian bowlers, spearheaded by Mohammed Siraj's impressive five-wicket haul, executed a remarkable comeback, achieving one of their narrowest victories by runs.
This victory is particularly noteworthy for a relatively young Indian team that was missing several senior players, especially amidst ongoing discussions regarding the team's transition in Test cricket.
On the other hand, England, who were poised to win the series, now find themselves in fourth place in the WTC standings with 26 points and a PCT of 43.33. Their position was adversely affected by a two-point deduction for a slow over-rate during the second Test at Lord’s.
Australia currently leads the WTC standings with 36 points from three matches, boasting a perfect PCT of 100% after sweeping the West Indies 3-0. Sri Lanka follows in second place with 16 points from two matches and a PCT of 66.67, thanks to a 1-0 series victory at home against Bangladesh.
Bangladesh, with one draw and one loss from two matches, is in fifth place with four points and a PCT of 16.67. The West Indies sit at the bottom of the table, having lost all three of their matches without earning any points.
New Zealand, Pakistan, and the defending champions South Africa have yet to commence their WTC 2025–27 campaigns. With several high-stakes series approaching, the standings are likely to change rapidly, but India's hard-fought win at The Oval has set a solid foundation for their future matches.