WTC Final Qualification Scenario for India
The picture of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final is gradually becoming clearer. The South African team is emerging as a strong contender for the final round. India’s defeat in the Adelaide Test has added to their challenges, but the team still has a chance to qualify for the final on their own. Here’s a breakdown of how many wins India needs against Australia in the next three matches, and how they can secure a spot in the final.
India suffered a significant setback after their defeat against New Zealand in the Test series played at home. Winning the series during their tour of Australia will not be an easy task. After a brilliant victory in the Perth Test, India faced a counterattack by the home team, resulting in a defeat in the second Test. However, India still has a big opportunity to reach the WTC final.
South Africa currently tops the World Test Championship table after a 1-0 series win over Sri Lanka. Australia sits in second place, having secured a 10-wicket victory in their second Test series against India. Meanwhile, India has slipped from the top to third place after their loss in the second Test. Here’s how India can surpass both these teams and secure a place in the WTC final:
- Winning Requirements: India needs two wins and a draw from their remaining three Test matches in Australia to reach the WTC final. This will raise their percentage to 60.53%, placing them at least second behind South Africa.
- Even if Australia secures a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka, their percentage will only reach 57.02%, keeping them behind India.
- If India wins the series 3-2, their percentage will be 58.77%, ensuring a spot in the final even if Australia beats Sri Lanka 1-0.
- If India loses the series 2-3, their percentage will drop to 53.51%, allowing South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Australia to surpass them.
If India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, their hopes of reaching the WTC final will rest on other results. For instance, South Africa would need to lose both their Tests against Pakistan, and Sri Lanka would have to draw at least one match against Australia.
