Pakistan’s recent loss to England in the first Test of their 2024 series caused a major shift in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. This defeat heavily affected Pakistan’s position, pushing them down the rankings. Meanwhile, England’s win boosted their chances of climbing higher in the WTC cycle.
Pakistan’s Struggles and Impact on the WTC Table
In the Multan Test, England outperformed Pakistan by winning with an innings and 47 runs. This was Pakistan’s sixth loss in eight matches during the current WTC cycle. With only two wins, Pakistan’s performance has been poor, leaving them with a points percentage (PCT) of 16.67%, the lowest among all teams. They also faced an eight-point deduction for slow over-rates, further hurting their standing.
This defeat marks Pakistan’s 11th straight winless Test match at home. Their bowling attack failed to contain England’s batters, leading to a large total that Pakistan could not recover from.
England’s Rise in the WTC Standings
On the other hand, England’s victory solidified their position in the top half of the WTC table. After this win, England moved up to fourth place with a PCT of 45.59%. Without a 19-point deduction for slow over-rates, their position could have been even higher.
Key players like Harry Brook and Joe Root led the charge, with Brook scoring a triple century and Root adding a double ton. England’s bowlers also played a crucial role, ensuring a dominant win.
Current WTC Standings (October 2024)
| Position | Team | Matches Played (P) | Wins (W) | Losses (L) | Draws (D) | Points (Pts) | Points Percentage (PCT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | India | 9 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 84 | 74.24 |
| 2 | Australia | 10 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 72 | 62.50 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 55 | 55.56 |
| 4 | England | 17 | 9 | 7 | 1 | 90 | 45.59 |
| 5 | South Africa | 9 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 48 | 44.44 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 10 | 4 | 5 | 1 | 44 | 40.00 |
| 7 | West Indies | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 22 | 18.52 |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 7 | 1 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 14.29 |
| 9 | Pakistan | 8 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 16 | 16.67 |
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan?
Pakistan’s chances of making it to the WTC final are now slim, given their current position. To have any hope of climbing the table, they will need to win the remaining matches in the current cycle, including crucial upcoming series. However, their form, particularly in home matches, has been concerning, making a comeback challenging.
Conclusion
The ICC World Test Championship points table has shifted significantly after Pakistan’s defeat to England. Pakistan now sits at the bottom, while England’s win bolsters their standing. With the WTC final approaching, teams like England, India, and Australia remain in the hunt for a top-two finish, while Pakistan faces an uphill battle to revive their campaign.
