WTC final qualification scenarios: How India, Australia and Sri Lanka can qualify for the World Test Championship final
India beat Kanpur weather to pull off a stunning seven-wicket win at Green Park against Bangladesh and clinch the two-match Test series 2-0 in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC). With the triumph, Rohit Sharma and co. strengthened their position at the top of 2023-25 WTC points table.
The final of the 2025 WTC is set to be played at Lord's in London from June 11 to June 16, with June 16 as a reserve day if needed. A number of matches are still to be played before the big final at Lord's. England will play three Tests in Pakistan in October, while India will host three Tests against New Zealand in October-November. Bangladesh will also play two home Tests against South Africa.
Apart from India, a number of other sides are still in contention for a place in World Test Championship final at Lord's in June. Here's a detailed analysis of the various qualification scenarios.
India (PCT: 74.24)
Following the 2-0 Test series win over Bangladesh, India are best placed to qualify for the 2023-25 WTC final. They have played 11 matches so far, winning eight and losing two, while one game ended in a draw. India have an impressive points percentage of 74.24.
Rohit and co. need to win at least three of their remaining eight Test matches to confirm a place in the WTC final. After the three-match home series against New Zealand, India will fly to Australia for a five-match Test series to be played from November 22 to January 7.
Australia (PCT: 62.50)
Reigning champions Australia are currently in second position in the World Test Championship points table. They have played 12 matches so far in the ongoing cycle, winning eight and losing three, while one Test ended in a draw. As of now, Pat Cummins and co. have points percentage of 62.50.
To reach the WTC final for the second time in a row, the Aussies must secure victories in at least four of their remaining seven matches. After taking on India in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy at home, Australia will visit Sri Lanka in January-February 2025 for a two-match Test series.
Sri Lanka (PCT: 55.56)
With three consecutive Test wins, Sri Lanka have jumped back as strong contenders to push for a place in the 2025 World Test Championship final. After losing the first two Tests in England by five wickets and 190 runs, respectively, they made a great comeback to clinch the third Test by eight wickets.
The Lankans also registered a 2-0 win against New Zealand at home recently in Galle. They won the first Test by 63 runs and thumped the Kiwis in the second Test by an innings and 154 runs. Despite the late surge, Sri Lanka have to win at least three of their remaining four matches to qualify for the WTC final.
They are currently in third place in the points table. Having played nine matches, Sri Lanka have won five and lost four, giving them PCT of 55.56. The island nation will play two Tests in South Africa in November-December and two matches at home against Australia in January-February.
South Africa (PCT: 38.89)
South Africa have played only six matches in the ongoing World Test Championship so far, winning two and losing three, while one match ended in a draw. They have PCT of 38.89. The Proteas will play two matches each against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan to round off their ongoing WTC cycle.
A win in five of remaining six Tests will make them strong contenders to qualify for the World Test Championship final, although there remains a possibility of other teams pipping them. In the rare case of South Africa winning all of their remaining six matches, they will be assured of a berth in the final.
New Zealand (PCT: 37.50)
New Zealand have won only three of their eight matches in the ongoing World Test Championship and have a PCT of 37.50. The 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka has severely dented their chances of making it to the WTC final.
The Kiwis have six matches left to play in the ongoing cycle - three against India (away) and three versus England (home). They need to win all six Test matches to stay in contention for a place in the World Test Championship final.
England (PCT: 42.19)
The Englishmen have played 16 matches in the ongoing World Test Championship, winning eight and losing seven of them, while one game ended in a draw. They have PCT of 42.19.
England are set to play three matches against Pakistan (away) and three Tests against New Zealand (home). Even if they win all six games, they have only a slim mathematical chance of finishing in the top two.