India maintained their lead in the World Test Championship standings despite an eight-wicket defeat by New Zealand in the first match of the series.
The Black Caps chased down their victory targetof 107 with relative ease on Sunday, with the win propelling them from sixth to fourth in the updated standings, with a win-loss percentage of 44.44%, according to the ICC.
While India remain at the top of the standings, the loss has somewhat weakened their hold on a place in next year’s final, as their percentage drops to 68.06% ahead of two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-match series with Australia at the end of the year.
Australia and Sri Lanka are currently India’s closest challengers in the standings, with Pat Cummins’s side in second place on 62.50%, and the island nation narrowly behind on 55.56% following their recent series sweep over New Zealand.
New Zealand’s victory over India has put the Kiwis back in contention for a second appearance in the World Test Championship final, as they overtake England and South Africa to reclaim fourth position.
New Zealand will host England for three Tests in November and December and may still be in contention for a top-two finish in the standings, depending on their results in the remaining matches against India.
