Explained: How Pakistan could boost India's WTC final hopes
India's chances of progressing to the World Test Championship (WTC) final suffered a setback following their 10-wicket loss to Australia in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. The visitors endured two poor batting efforts as the Aussies fought back from the Perth loss to level the series 1-1.
In the wake of the defeat in Adelaide, India have slipped to third position in the 2023-25 WTC table. They have a points percentage of 57.29 after 16 matches. On the other hand, South Africa (63.33) have moved to the top of the points table after their 109-run win over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha. Australia are in second place, with a PCT of 60.71.
Despite four defeats in their last five Tests, Team India are still in with a chance of qualifying for their third consecutive WTC final. However, they might need some help from arch-rivals Pakistan in their endeavor. While Australia will take on Sri Lanka in two away Tests after BGT 2024-25, Pakistan are all set to take on the Proteas in South Africa.
To reach the World Test Championship final without depending on other results, India need to win two and draw one of their remaining three Tests against Australia. In such a scenario, they will finish with a PCT of 60.53 and are assured of a place in the final since only South Africa can go past them. The Aussies would finish with a PCT of 57.02 even if they beat Sri Lanka 2-0.
If India win BGT 2024-25 by a 3-2 margin, they will have a PCT of 58.77. Even with a 1-0 win over Sri Lanka, the Aussies could finish below India in such a scenario. However, if India go down 2-3, their PCT would drop to 53.51. In such a scenario, they would need Pakistan to beat South Africa 2-0 apart from hoping that Australia draw at least one match in Sri Lanka.
A glance at remaining matches in WTC 2023-25 cycle
India will play three more Tests against Australia as part of BGT 2024-25. The third Test will start in Brisbane from December 14, followed by the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from December 26 onwards, and the New Year Test in Sydney from January 3 to January 7.
Pakistan will play two Tests in South Africa from December 26 to January 7. The first Test will be played in Centurion and the second in Cape Town. Also, Australia will play two Tests in Sri Lanka as part of WTC 2023-25 from January 29 to February 10. Both Tests will be played in Galle.