After scripting history with their first-ever Test win on Australian soil in the first game in Darwin, Bangladesh surrendered in the second match in Mackay losing by an innings and 51 runs inside two days to end the series 1-1 on Sunday.
After being bundled out for 64 in the first innings, nothing improved in the second essay as Bangladesh suffered another batting collapse to be all out for 95. Australia scored 210 in the first innings.
Mitchell Starc was the wrecker-in-chief for Australia, with his fourth 10-wicket match haul, as the hosts consolidated their position at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 points table. With five wickets in his first 22 deliveries en route to a six-wicket haul in the first innings, Starc picked up another four to finish with match figures of 10/51.
In fact, the second Test between Australia and Bangladesh clocked 750 balls in the whole match – the shortest in Australia in almost a century. While there was no change in Bangladesh’s position (fourth) in the points table, their loss certainly opened the door for India to rise up in the table.
How can India break into WTC 2025-27 top 4?
Following the loss, Bangladesh’s points percentage (PCT) has dropped sharply from 66.67 to 55.56. The Najmul Hossain Shanto-led side now has 50 points from six matches, with three wins, two losses and one draw. Australia continue to lead with with 96 points and an 80 PCT.
With 64 points and a PCT of 53.33 from 10 matches, India are just sitting behind them. The equation for Shubman Gill-led side is simple, win the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo and topple Bangladesh. India have so far won five, lost four and drew one.
Defending WTC champions South Africa (75 PCT) are placed second, followed by New Zealand (72.22 PCT). Sri Lanka are sixth (33.33 PCT) followed England, West Indies and Pakistan in the next three positions.
With India hosting West Indies at home post the Sri Lanka series, it serves them a great opportunity to climb up the ladder and stake a claim at the top two. The top two teams at the end of the WTC 2025-27 cycle will play in the final next year in the United Kingdom.
WTC Points Table after AUS vs BAN 2nd Test
Despite the loss in the second Test against Australia, Bangladesh’s win in the first Test was rewarded with a landmark rise in the ICC Test rankings. Shanto’s boys have climbed three spots to be placed sixth in the ICC Test Rankings for teams – their highest-ever position.