Sri Lanka have made a significant move up the latest ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings following their resounding victory against Bangladesh.
In their first-ever Test assignment at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the Lankan Lions defeated the Bangladesh Tigers by a massive 328-run margin. Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva wanted to make positive approach to go on the Test championship journey and Sri Lanka team did it great style.
The outcome resulted in Sri Lanka securing 12 points in three games and a points percentage of 33.33, ahead of South Africa (25 per cent) and England (17.50 per cent), who are currently at the bottom of the table. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka both have the same number of points (12) and points percentage (33.33) at joint-sixth.
Pakistan have moved up one spot to No.4 with a 36.66 points percentage, while West Indies, who share a similar points percentage with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, have moved up to No.5 with a higher points tally of 16.
While India take the lead standing on top and Australia standing just behind them at number 2. The Kiwis are at number 3 after being drubbed by Australia at home by 2-0. The first two will play the final of WTC at Lords next year.
When Dhananjaya de Silva first time captain Test team at Afganistan game at SSC he said he wanted to make good display at forthcoming Lords Test. After first test victory with day to spare once again Sri Lanka team will travel to Chattogram test which will commence on March 30 .
The positive of the first test is very strong number seven batter Kamindu Mendis while strong fast bowling combination of three pacemen Kasun Rajitha,Lahiru Kumara and Vishwa Fernando.
Earlier in 1986 three Sri Lanka pacemen Asantha de Mel, Kosala Kuruppuarachchi and Ravi Ratnayake took all 20 wickets against Pakistan at SSC to gain 8 wickets victory and this time Lahiru, Vishwa and Kasun emulated that feat.
Two main pacemen Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera still in recovery period while Asitha Fernando also is injured.However replacements f Kasun, Lahiru did their part well while new fast bowling National coach Anusha Samaranayake and fast bowling Consultant Aqib Javed from Pakistan have big responsibility to maintain good fast bowling unit to focus on next T – 20 world cup which will be held from June 2 to 29 in USA and West Indies.
Sri Lanka High Performance Unit Consaltant Sanath Jayasuriya wanted to see fast bowling tracks at domestic tournaments and it’ is a good move. Muttaiah Muralitharan,Rangana Herath,Ajantha Mendis dominated tests in Sri Lanka and Sri Lanka struggled recently at fast bowling tracks and SLC making good progress to give fast bowling tracks to focus on International tours.
Sri Lanka made good temperament to get Kamindu Mendis for Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis took wickets keepers gloves. Mendis proved his potential with back to back centuries while he associated in big partnership with skipper Dhananjaya de Silva.Kamindu Mendis easily find of the test team and he got this opportunity after 20 months time and he strengthens the middle order.
Dhammika Ratnaweera