WTC points table after Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd Test, 2026

WTC points table after Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd Test, 2026

Bangladesh vs West Indies 2nd Test Ends in a Draw as Hridoy’s Double Century Falls Short

Bangladesh and the West Indies played out a dramatic draw in the second Test in Sylhet on November 9, bringing their two-match series to a close. The result prevented Bangladesh from suffering another defeat, but the visitors retained the series 1-0 after their eight-wicket victory in the opening Test in Mirpur.

The Sylhet contest delivered a remarkable individual performance, a spirited West Indies response and a tense chase that remained unfinished when bad light stopped play on the final day. Towhid Hridoy’s outstanding batting gave Bangladesh a first-innings advantage and kept the hosts in contention, but substantial contributions from the West Indies’ middle order helped the tourists set a demanding target.

The draw did not change either team’s position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 standings. However, the teams’ points percentages shifted, adding another wrinkle to a table in which the race for the top two places remains open.

Hridoy’s 242 Leads Bangladesh to a First-Innings Advantage

The West Indies won the toss and chose to bat first, building a strong total of 356. Amir Jangoo was the standout performer, continuing his impressive form with a commanding 133. Bangladesh fast bowler Hasan Mahmud provided a major response with the ball, taking six wickets for 90 runs to limit the visitors’ first-innings total.

Bangladesh then moved ahead through a superb innings from Hridoy. The batter struck an unbeaten 242, anchoring the hosts’ reply and turning a competitive position into a valuable lead. Bangladesh finished on 386, 30 runs ahead of the West Indies, and appeared to have gained an important advantage in a match where every session could affect the outcome.

Hridoy’s innings was the defining performance of the Test. His ability to bat for long periods while continuing to score put pressure on the West Indies attack and gave Bangladesh a platform to control the match. Yet the visitors responded effectively in their second innings, ensuring the hosts would still need to work hard to avoid defeat.

West Indies Fight Back to Set Bangladesh a Target of 369

The West Indies showed resilience in their second innings, led by Kavem Hodge and Kevin Wickham. Hodge produced a career-best 142, while Wickham contributed 78, helping the visitors recover and build a substantial total. The West Indies reached 398 for six before declaring, setting Bangladesh a target of 369 runs to win.

The declaration created a challenging final-day equation. Bangladesh had to balance the ambition of chasing a large total with the need to protect its wickets and secure a draw. The hosts made a difficult start, slipping to 40 for two in the 12th over, which gave the West Indies an opportunity to press for a series-clinching win.

Hridoy again became central to Bangladesh’s effort. He scored 82 from 140 balls, helping steady the innings and keep the chase alive. Bangladesh reached 184 for four, but the remaining overs were not enough to complete the pursuit. Bad light interrupted play on the final day, and the match ended in a draw.

For Bangladesh, the result offered some relief after losing the first Test, while also highlighting the team’s capacity to compete through a long match. For the West Indies, the draw secured the broader objective: a series victory away from home. The visitors’ ability to recover after conceding a first-innings lead was crucial in shaping the final result.

Updated WTC Points Table: Bangladesh Stay Fifth

Bangladesh remain fifth in the WTC 2025–27 points table following the draw. Before the Sylhet match, they had 40 points from seven Tests and a points percentage of 47.62. The draw added four points to their total, taking them to 44 points from eight matches. Their percentage, however, moved down to 45.83.

The West Indies remain eighth, despite a modest improvement in their points percentage from 26.92 to 27.38. They now have 42 points from 14 Tests. Their tally includes a two-point penalty for a slow over-rate, a deduction that continues to affect their position in the standings.

Pakistan are still at the bottom of the table with a points percentage of 4.63. At the other end, New Zealand lead with 72.22, followed by South Africa on 71.43 and Australia on 69.23. Australia recently slipped out of the top two after losing its Test series against South Africa 2-1.

The standings are based on points percentage rather than total points alone, making every result significant even when teams have played different numbers of matches. A draw can provide valuable points, but its effect on a team’s percentage depends on the number of matches already completed and the points available in each contest.

India vs New Zealand Test Series Could Shift the Top-Two Race

The WTC table could change further before the end of the year, with several important series still to come. Pakistan are scheduled to face Sri Lanka in a two-Test series beginning November 9. The upcoming India-New Zealand series is also likely to draw close attention, with the first Test set to begin at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on November 19.

India currently sit fourth, with 68 points from 11 Tests. Their record includes five wins, four defeats and two draws. They have seven matches remaining in the current WTC cycle: two Tests in New Zealand and five at home against Australia. Those fixtures give India a significant opportunity to improve its position, though away Tests and a demanding home series leave little room for complacency.

New Zealand, meanwhile, will look to protect its place at the top of the table, while South Africa and Australia remain close enough to keep the contest for the leading positions compelling. The India-New Zealand results could therefore influence not only the teams involved but also the wider prediction of how the WTC top two may look in the coming months.

What the Sylhet Draw Means for Both Teams

The second Test offered a mixed outcome. Bangladesh avoided a series sweep and gained confidence from Hridoy’s monumental performance, but the team will also reflect on its inability to turn a first-innings lead into a match win. The West Indies, by contrast, leave with the series trophy after demonstrating patience and depth across both innings.

With the WTC campaign still in progress, neither side can treat the result as decisive in isolation. Bangladesh remain within reach of the teams above them, while the West Indies need consistent results to climb from eighth. The Sylhet draw may not have changed their positions, but it added fresh context to the points table—and set up an increasingly competitive prediction for the months ahead.

Latest News