How India Can Qualify for the WTC Final 2024-25:
India kept their hopes of reaching the WTC final alive with a 295-run win against Australia in the first Test played in Perth. This result pushed Australia to second place in the points table, while India took the top spot. Meanwhile, South Africa’s win over Sri Lanka lifted the Proteas to second place, and Australia climbed to third. Although there is still some time left for the WTC final scoreboard, the race for the top two spots is now going to be intense.
India, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka are all competing for the top two spots. The win in the Perth Test has given India a solid foundation, but Rohit Sharma’s side still has a long way to go before they can book a place in the WTC final. This is the last Test series for the Indian team before the final, so let’s look at the equations that will determine how Team India can qualify for the final.
1. If India Beats Australia 5-0, 4-1, 4-0, or 3-0:
If India wins the series against Australia by a margin of 5-0, 4-1, 4-0, or 3-0, Rohit Sharma’s team will qualify for the final regardless of the results of other teams. A series win by these margins will eliminate Australia from the race for the finals. With these three results, India will not have to rely on the outcomes of other teams and will secure a spot in the final at Lord’s in June.
2. If India Beats Australia 3-1:
A 3-1 win in the five-match series against Australia could see India qualify for the finals. However, for India to qualify, South Africa must not defeat Sri Lanka in the second Test of their series. If India wins 3-1 against Australia and Sri Lanka loses to South Africa in the second Test, India will be eliminated from the race for the finals. However, even if the South Africa vs. Sri Lanka Test ends in a draw, a 3-1 win for India will still be enough for qualification.
3. If India Beats Australia 3-2:
If India wins 3-2 against Australia, the equation becomes more complicated. In this case, India will need to depend on Sri Lanka. After a 3-2 win, India will need Sri Lanka to win the second and final match of their current Test series against South Africa. Additionally, Sri Lanka must draw at least one match in their upcoming two-match Test series against Australia, starting on January 29. This combination of results will determine whether India qualifies for the finals.
4. If India Draws the Series 2-2:
A draw in the Border-Gavaskar series will significantly reduce India’s chances of qualification. In this scenario, South Africa will need to defeat Sri Lanka 2-0 in the current series. India will then need Sri Lanka to win their two-match Test series against Australia by just 1-0. A 2-0 win by Sri Lanka over Australia will make things more difficult for India. Only a 1-0 win would be sufficient to keep India in contention. Additionally, Sri Lanka must not lose the series 0-2 against Australia. If this happens, India’s chances of qualifying will become even slimmer.
