Bangladesh’s historic nine-wicket victory over Australia in Darwin has transformed their World Test Championship (WTC) prospects, lifting their points percentage to 66.67 and putting them in contention to reach the 2025-27 cycle’s final.

The victory earned Bangladesh 12 points but did not change their fourth-place position. Their Percentage of Points (PCT), however, jumped from 58.33 to 66.67, putting them above the 60-percent mark that has proved significant in recent WTC cycles.

In the previous two completed cycles, three of the four finalists have finished above 60 percent. Australia reached the 2023 final with 66.67 PCT, while South Africa and Australia finished the 2025 cycle on 69.44 and 67.54 respectively.

Bangladesh have therefore given themselves a platform from which a final push is possible, although seven Tests remain and the qualification race is expected to tighten considerably.

Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side has played five Tests in this cycle so far, winning three, drawing one and losing one. They have seven matches left, including the second Test against Australia.

After Australia, Bangladesh will face South Africa away before hosting West Indies and England in a two-Test series.

Bangladesh need at least four wins from their remaining seven Tests to reach 48 points, which would take their PCT to 66.67. Three wins and two draws, by contrast, would leave them at 58.33.

In the current cycle, Australia are leading the table even after the defeat in Darwin with a PCT of 77.78. South Africa and New Zealand trail behind with 75 and 72.22 respectively.

Bangladesh are one place above India (48.15) and Sri Lanka (41.67).

Bangladesh’s campaign in the current WTC cycle began with a draw in Galle before an innings defeat in Colombo. They then swept Pakistan 2-0 at home before taking a 1-0 lead against Australia with their historic Darwin triumph.

The Tigers' next Test tour will be in November in South Africa, who Bangladesh are winless in 16 Tests.