Australia topple India from WTC top spot with series sweep over Pakistan

NEW DELHI: Following their eight-wicket triumph over Pakistan in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) Test, the Australian cricket team has moved ahead of India in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings.After a successful 2023, where the team led by Pat Cummins secured two ICC titles - the World Test Championship Final and the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup - Australia has continued to assert its dominance in 2024.In the New Year's Test at the iconic SCG, the hosts clinched an eight-wicket victory against Pakistan, completing a 3-0 series sweep and claiming the top spot in the World Test Championship standings.The side also topped the ICC Men's Test Team Rankings charts, following India's 1-1 series draw in South Africa, on Friday.With 56.25 percentage points, Australia has surpassed India, which is currently ranked second with 54.16 percentage points.Meanwhile, Pakistan's position at No.6 dropped significantly, from 45.83 before the SCG Test to 36.66 after the defeat.After electing to bat, the visitors posted a competitive first-innings total of 313 with Mohammad Rizwan (88), Agha Salman (53), and No.9 Aamer Jamal (82) all scoring fifties.In response, they knocked Australia out for 299, thanks to Jamal's bowling onslaught. With a 14-run lead heading into the second innings, Pakistan held a little advantage over the hosts.However, Pakistan's second innings at the crease drastically changed the game's outcome. The Australian bowlers limited them to 115 runs and Saim Ayub top-scored with 33. With figures of 4/16, Josh Hazlewood led the assault, and he was ably supported by seasoned spinner Nathan Lyon (3/36).On day four, the hosts chased the goal in 25.5 overs, with Warner and Marnus Labuschagne scoring match-winning fifties.(With ANI Inputs)