How India vs Pakistan final can take place in World Test Championship 2023
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always entertained cricket fans. However, it has been 15 years since the cricket universe witnessed an India versus Pakistan Test.
The last time the arch-rivals met in the longest format of the game was back in 2007. The match at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium ended in a draw. Due to political tensions between the two nations, India-Pakistan matches only take place in multi-team events nowadays.
Cricket fans will know that the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) is underway. The first cycle ended in June 2021 with India and New Zealand battling it out in the final. In the second cycle India, Australia, Pakistan, and South Africa seem to be the top contenders for a place in the final.
Pakistan rise to third in the World Test Championship standings after a brilliant win 📈
#SLvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen | #WTC23 https://t.co/Hct3U5dDRV
Although Australia and South Africa currently have a considerable lead over the rest of the teams in the standings, things could change by the time the ICC World Test Championship final arrives.
Here's how India and Pakistan can attain the top two spots and set up a dream final at Lord's in June 2023.
Results of 5 series matter the most for a potential India vs Pakistan World Test Championship final
India are fourth in the points table right now with 52.08% points (75 out of 144 points). They have six matches left, of which two are against Bangladesh and four against Australia. If they win all six without any slow over-rate issues, their points percentage will go up to 68.05% (147 out of 216 points).
Pakistan hold the third position with 58.33% points (56 out of 96 points). They have six matches left – one versus Sri Lanka, two versus New Zealand and three versus England. If they win at least five of their six matches, their points percentage will be 69.05% (116 out of 168).
India's points percentage if they beat Bangladesh 2-0, Australia 4-0 (slow over rate issues): 68.05%
Pakistan's points percentage if they win at least 5 of their remaining 6 matches: 69.05%
Australia's points percentage if they lose to India 0-4, win remaining matches: 63.16%
Australia have three more series left in the World Test Championship cycle. They will play two home Tests against West Indies, followed by a three-match series against South Africa, also at home. The Aussies will then tour India for four Tests.
If Australia win all five matches at home but lose to India by 0-4, then their points percentage will sink to 63.16%.
If South Africa lose to Australia by 0-3, their points percentage will come down to 66.67% irrespective of the results in their three-match series against England and two home Tests against West Indies.
So, the results of five series will decide whether or not fans will witness an India-Pakistan final at the World Test Championship. The five series crucial in deciding this are: India versus Bangladesh (November 2022), Australia versus South Africa, England versus Pakistan, New Zealand versus Pakistan (December 2022), and India versus Australia (February 2023).
South Africa's points percentage if they lose at least 3 of their remaining 8 matches: 66.67%
So if
Ind beat Ban 2-0
Ind beat Aus 4-0
Pak beat NZ 2-0
Pak beat ENG 2-1
Pak beat SL in Galle next week
Aus beat SA 3-0
India vs Pakistan World Test Championship Final!
The second Test of the ongoing series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will also matter a lot. The visitors need to win the Test to increase their chances of an India-Pakistan WTC final.