NEW DELHI: India slipped to sixth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings on Friday after New Zealand’s dominant nine-wicket win over the West Indies in Wellington sent the Black Caps soaring to third.
India, runners-up in both previous WTC cycles, had already fallen to fifth following their 0-2 home series defeat to South Africa last month, with New Zealand sitting just below them in sixth. But the landscape shifted dramatically after the Kiwis wrapped up the second Test at Basin Reserve, leapfrogging several teams in the process.
Australia, the defending champions, continue to lead the table with a flawless 100% points percentage. South Africa remain second with 75%, while Sri Lanka (66.67%) and Pakistan (50%) hold the fourth and fifth spots.
2nd Test: Jacob Duffy destroys West Indies as New Zealand storm to nine-wicket win
New Zealand’s latest victory has boosted them to a points percentage of 66.67, while India now sit at 48.15 – their lowest position in the current WTC cycle so far.
India could slip even further to seventh place if England mount a comeback against Australia in the ongoing Ashes. Australia currently lead the series 2-0, with three Tests still remaining, leaving India vulnerable to another dip in the World Test Championship standings.
India’s next assignment is against Sri Lanka in August next year.
With the latest result, New Zealand have also boosted their prospects of a second appearance in the World Test Championship Final.
The Black Caps’ bowlers did the damage on the third day at Basin Reserve, with Jacob Duffy’s five-wicket haul helping the hosts dismiss the West Indies for just 128 in their second innings.
That left New Zealand requiring 56 for victory and a 1-0 series lead and Devon Conway (28 not out) and Kane Williamson (16 not out) guided them home after the early loss of skipper Tom Latham for nine.
The victory saw New Zealand earn 12 valuable WTC points and allowed the 2021 winners to jump in front of Pakistan and India and join Sri Lanka in third place on the standings.
The third Test between New Zealand and West Indies will commence in Mount Maunganui on December 18.
(With PTI Inputs)
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