Dhananjaya de Silva-led Sri Lanka on Monday bagged a statement 63-run win against New Zealand in the first of the two Tests to not just go 1-0 up in the series, but also make a huge advance in the World Test Championship points table. Sri Lanka haven't been at their best in the last two cycles but consecutive Test wins over England and New Zealand have put them in prime position.
India's huge win against Bangladesh on Sunday and Sri Lanka's victory over the visiting Kiwis have led to shifts in the race for the two final spots. While India have consolidated their place at the top, Sri Lanka climbed to third after their win on Monday.
Bangladesh, who had jumped to the fourth position after a brilliant 2-0 victory over Pakistan, have dropped to sixth place (point percentage of 39.29%) behind Sri Lanka and England after the loss to India on Sunday.
Related News | 
Team India Create HISTORY, Record More Wins Than Losses in Tests For the First Time Ever
EXPLAINED: How India Can Qualify For WTC 2025 Final After Win In 1st Test Vs Bangladesh
| Teams | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Deductions | Points | %age Points |
| India | 10 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 86 | 71.67 |
| Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 10 | 90 | 62.5 |
| Sri Lanka | 8 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 48 | 50 |
| New Zealand | 7 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 36 | 42.86 |
| England | 16 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 19 | 81 | 42.19 |
Moving to third on the World Test Championship points table after a win against the Kiwis in Galle, Sri Lanka stand the best opportunity to challenge the 2023 World Test Championship finalists for a spot in the summit showdown next year.
The 63-run win against New Zealand in Galle was Sri Lanka's fourth in eight games, moving them an even 50% of possible WTC points, with a best possible percentage of 69.23% for the Lankans.
Related News | 
'Both Rohit And Virat Should Act As…': Ian Chappell Calls Indian Pair To Take Up Big Role In Australia Tour
How can Sri Lanka reach the finals of the World Test Championship?
In case Sri Lanka reach 69.23% ahead of the WTC Finals, they might qualify. But for that to happen, they would need to beat New Zealand in the second Test, beat South Africa in the upcoming two-Test series in November and then defeat WTC defending champions Australia in two Tests at home in January.
Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya finished as the Player of the Match for his nine-wicket match haul.