After historic win over Sri Lanka in Galle, Pakistan jump to 3rd spot in ICC World Test Championship table

Pakistan returned to the 3rd spot in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 table after their stunning victory over Sri Lanka in the first of a 2-match Test series in Galle. Pakistan gained a place as they leapfrogged the islanders to the 3rd spot on the table.

Pakistan boosted their winning percentage to 58.33 percent, with only South Africa (71.43%) and Australia (70%) now ahead of the Asian side. It was the 4th victory of the World Test Championship cycle for Pakistan, who have now boosted their chances of reaching next year's final.

Pakistan rode on opener Abdullah Shafique's stunning 160 not out to successfully complete the highest-ever fourth-inning chase in Galle as the visitors knocked down 343 runs to seal a 4-wicket victory. Babar Azam, Pakistan's skipper, followed up his first innings hundred with a fifty as the visiting



team took a 1-0 lead in the 2-match series.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who have moved to the 3rd spot, after their victory over Australia earlier this month at home, have slipped to the 6th spot with a 48.15 win-loss percentage.

By virtue of Pakistan's record win over Sri Lanka, India also moved up a spot to 4th. The Asian giants, who played the World Test Championship final last year, had slipped to the 5th spot after their loss in the rescheduled 5th Test in Birmingham.

A win there will see Pakistan make further ground on South Africa and Australia at the top of the standings, while a loss will see Babar's side drop back to fifth.

Conversely, Sri Lanka can regain third place on the standings if they can recover quickly, fight back and level the series by winning the second Test.