Bangladesh slip in WTC standings after defeat to West Indies

Dhaka, 1 Nov - An eight-wicket defeat to West Indies in the opening Test of the two-match series saw Bangladesh slip from fourth to fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.

Bangladesh started the match with an aim to make a giant leap toward the maiden final appearance in the WTC. But the outside chance of making it final received a massive setback after the defeat, which allowed India to move up to fourth.

Bangladesh's points percentage fell from 55.56 to 47.62 while India currently stands at 51.52 per cent.

The West Indies, meanwhile, improved their points percentage from 20.83 to 26.92 following their victory, although they remain eighth in the table. 

They have narrowed the gap on seventh-placed Sri Lanka, who have a points percentage of 33.33.

Chasing a target of 170, the West Indies reached 172-2 in just 35.1 overs on Day 4, frequently interrupted by rain, lightening and bad light.

Brandon King led the run-chase with 81 not out while his fellow opener John Campbell made 49. Kevam Hodge was unbeaten on 31 with King when West Indies sealed the deal with incredible ease.

West Indies captain Roston Chase said the team was targeting an improvement in their position in the WTC standings, a goal achieved showing a superlative performance.

 "We came here with the aim of improving our rankings by winning two Tests. We want to finish the cycle at least at number six or five on the points table. To achieve that goal, we had to win both these matches," Chase said after the match.

Earlier, Bangladesh were bowled out for 272 in their first innings, with opener Shadman Islam scoring 105. West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican claimed five wickets.

In reply, the visitors were wrapped up for 245 in the first innings, with John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul making half-centuries. Justin Greaves scored 46, while Chase added 43. Nayeem Hasan was Bangladesh's leading bowler with 4-33.

A sensational batting collapse saw Bangladesh dismissed for 142 in the second innings, leaving West Indies a modest 170 for victory. Chase was the wrecker-in-chief with 5-33 while Warrican added 4-63 with his five-wicket haul in the first innings.

The West Indies completed the chase comfortably, securing a victory that boosted their WTC campaign and further reshaped the points standings.Meanwhile, Australia slipped from first to third in the standings following a 176-run defeat to South Africa in Cape Town, while New Zealand climbed to the top of the table.

South Africa moved into second place after the victory, with their points percentage rising to 71.43 from 66.67. New Zealand now lead the standings with 72.22 per cent, while Australia's percentage dropped to 69.23.

Australia, chasing a target of 288 on the final day of the third Test, were bowled out for just 111 before the end of the second session, handing South Africa a comprehensive victory.BSS