India’s Path to the WTC Final: What Lies Ahead
After a long break, Team India is all set to return to Test cricket with an important two-match Test series against Bangladesh, starting on 19th September. This series is crucial for India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the third consecutive time. India has reached the final in the previous two editions but missed out on lifting the trophy both times.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has now provided a major update on India’s standing and their chances of playing in the WTC final again. Based on current statistics, India is in a strong position to qualify.
India Leading the WTC 2023-25 Points Table
Currently, Team India sits at the top of the WTC 2023-25 points table, having played 9 matches so far. India has won 6 of these matches, lost 2, and drawn 1, placing them at the top with 68.52 percent points. With 10 more Test matches to play in this cycle, India is well-positioned to secure a spot in the final once again.
If India manages to win all of its remaining matches, its points percentage could rise to a maximum of 85.09 percent, a figure that would likely guarantee a place in the WTC final. However, this outcome depends on the results of matches against strong opponents like New Zealand and Australia.
Upcoming Challenges: Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia
India’s remaining matches include a two-match series against Bangladesh and a three-match series against New Zealand—both at home. These five matches are vital for India’s campaign. A clean sweep in these home matches would elevate India’s points percentage to 79.76 percent, which would almost ensure a place in the final.
After the home matches, India will face a tough challenge in Australia, where they are scheduled to play five Test matches. Success in Australia is essential for maintaining their top spot in the WTC rankings. Even if India wins just the home series, they remain a strong contender, but winning abroad will increase their chances significantly.
Australia’s Battle to Defend the Title
Australia, the defending World Test Championship champions, is also in the race to reach the final. However, their path is more challenging this time. They have 7 matches remaining—5 of them against India and 2 against Sri Lanka. Even if Australia wins all 7 matches, their maximum points percentage would be 76.32 percent, which could still place them behind India if India continues its winning form.
New Zealand and Other Teams: Are They in the Race?
New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions, still have a chance to qualify for the final. They have 8 matches remaining, and if they manage to win all, they can reach a maximum of 78.57 percent points, which could put them ahead of Australia but behind India if India wins most of its matches.
Other teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Pakistan also have matches left, but their chances of making it to the final seem slim. Bangladesh can only reach 72.92 percent, Sri Lanka can reach 69.23 percent, while South Africa and Pakistan can achieve a maximum of 69.44 percent and 59.52 percent, respectively.
With India and New Zealand having stronger positions, and Australia facing a tough challenge, the next few months of Test cricket will be decisive in shaping the WTC Final lineup.
