Here’s how the World Test Championship Points Table stands after first Pakistan vs England Test

The first Test between Pakistan and England at Rawalpindi panned out like never before as the fourth day of play ended in a dramatic fashion, with chances of all three outcomes on the final day. It was a fight between England’s strategies and tactics and Pakistan’s composure, But in the end, the visitors managed to take Pakistan down just before the end of the day’s play to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

The first day began with England batters scoring runs for fun on what looked like a dead pitch at Rawalpindi. Hosts Pakistan failed to keep the English batters under check as the visitors scored a record-breaking 506/4 before the first day ended. They kept piling up runs, and added pressure on Pakistan bowlers before moving on to the second day.

The run-scoring continued even on the second day, and four of England’s batters scored their respective centuries in the first innings. England’s innings ended when Pakistan bowlers dished them out after they had put up a whopping 657 runs on board. The second day ended with Pakistan openers piling up 181 runs while remaining unbeaten to keep the game going.

It looked impossible to take wickets on the Rawalpindi pitch, and England had a task ahead of them on the third day of the game. Pakistan lost wickets as they began the day’s play, but skipper Babar Azam kept the ship sailing and brought up a magnificent century to keep the game leveled. Pakistan batters kept their side in the game and ended the day at 499/7.

The fourth day was full of twists and turns. The visitors managed to end Pakistan’s innings, but the host did really well. Pakistan chased down a major chunk of the required total, thereby handing the visitors only a 78-run lead before the start of their second innings. The visitors took a huge step by declaring the innings early, scoring 264/7 and posting a target of 343 runs for Pakistan to chase.

Starting the final innings, Pakistan faced a blow when Abdullah Shafique was dismissed early and Azhar Ali’s injury forced him to walk out. Babar too could not create an impact and was dismissed early. They ended the fourth day needing 263 runs to win on the final day, with possibilities of all three outcomes.

The fifth day started in Pakistan’s favour as the hosts dominated with their batting, but Pakistan lost four wickets within eight overs while batting in a crunch situation putting England in the driver’s seat. The tailenders kept the game going in a brilliant manner and kept their place intact in an attempt to draw the game. But Jack Leach’s spin helped the visitors get the final wicket, just a few minutes before the end of the day, as England claimed a remarkable win.

Here’s the updated WTC Points Table after 1st PAK vs ENG Test

England continue to remain in the seventh position but have improved their numbers as they now have 41.67% points from what was previously 38. Pakistan are still placed fifth, but their numbers have reduced from 51.85% points to 46.67% points. The loss will prove costly for Pakistan, who aim to make it to the tournament’s summit clash.

Australia top the leaderboard with 72.73% points with South Africa in the second position with 60% points. Sri Lanka are placed third with 53.33% points, while India remains in the fourth position with 52.08% points. The West Indies occupy the sixth place with 45% points to their name, while New Zealand (25.93% points) and Bangladesh (13.33 % points) are placed in the eighth and ninth spots respectively.