Lahore Victory Reshapes WTC Standings: Pakistan Overtakes India
Pakistan's recent 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, has significantly impacted the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, causing a shift in the rankings. Shan Masood's men have jumped ahead of the Shubman Gill-led Indian side, injecting fresh dynamism into the competition.
Match Summary: Pakistan vs. South Africa
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan showcased a strong batting performance, posting 378 runs in their first innings. Key contributions came from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha, both scoring 93, along with half-centuries from captain Shan Masood (76) and Mohammad Rizwan (75). South Africa's Senuran Muthusamy emerged as the leading bowler, equalling Shane Warne's record by claiming six wickets in the first innings of a Test in Pakistan. Warne had previously achieved this feat at the same venue during Australia's 1994/95 tour.
In response, South Africa struggled against the turning conditions and were bowled out for 269. Tony de Zorzi's century (104) and Ryan Rickelton's 71 provided some resistance, but Pakistan secured a valuable 109-run lead. Pakistan's second innings saw them post 167, setting South Africa a target of 277. Muthusamy once again shone with a five-wicket haul.
The Pakistani bowlers then demonstrated their prowess, dismissing South Africa for 183 in their second innings. Noman Ali's exceptional spin bowling earned him 10 wickets in the match (six in the first innings and four in the second), while Shaheen Shah Afridi contributed with four crucial wickets.
WTC Points Table: The New Order
With this win, Pakistan now holds the second position in the WTC points table, boasting a 100% point percentage (PCT). They are just behind Australia, who also have a 100% PCT but have played three matches and won all of them. Each win earns a team 12 points.
Here's a look at the top teams in the WTC standings:
- Australia: 3 matches, 3 wins, 100% PCT
- Pakistan: 1 match, 1 win, 100% PCT
- Sri Lanka: 2 matches, 1 win, 66.67% PCT
- India: 7 matches, 4 wins, 61.90% PCT
- England: 5 matches, 2 wins, 43.33% PCT
India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, now occupies the fourth spot with a PCT of 61.90, after securing a 2-0 series win against the West Indies.
Shubman Gill's Recent Achievements
Despite India's drop in the WTC rankings, Shubman Gill has recently achieved a personal milestone, becoming the highest run-scorer for India in WTC history, surpassing Rishabh Pant. In the WTC, Gill has played 39 matches, scoring 2,826 runs at an average of 43.47. His highest score is 269, and he has 10 centuries and eight fifties to his name.
Pakistan's Perspective
Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, expressed his excitement about playing Test cricket at home and emphasized the importance of starting the WTC campaign with a win. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Pakistan, who finished last in the previous WTC cycle.
The next Test between Pakistan and South Africa will be held in Rawalpindi, starting on October 20.
