WTC Final Race Heats Up: India, Australia Among Five Contenders for 2025 Showdown

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 race is getting intense, with not just two or three but five strong contenders vying for a spot in the final. India, which once seemed comfortably ahead, now faces tougher competition after recent match outcomes. Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa are also in the mix, creating new scenarios for the WTC points table. Here’s a look at how each team stands and what they need to reach the ultimate showdown.

India’s Path to the Final

Currently at the top with a points percentage of 62.82, India holds a slight edge in the standings but must remain consistent. With six matches left in their WTC schedule, India needs to secure at least four wins to strengthen their claim to the final. If they can achieve this, their maximum points percentage could reach 74.56, which should be enough to secure a place.

Australia’s Strong Contention

Australia, sitting in second place with a close 62.50 points percentage, is in a solid position. With a five-match series against India and two games against Sri Lanka remaining, Australia has the potential to finish with the highest possible points percentage at 76.32 if they win all remaining matches. This would position them at the top and ensure their qualification for the final.

Sri Lanka’s Growing Hopes

Sri Lanka’s recent series win against New Zealand boosted their position to third, holding a 55.56 points percentage. They have three matches left: one against South Africa and two against Australia. If Sri Lanka wins all their remaining matches, their points percentage could peak at 69.23, giving them a shot at the final if other results go their way.

New Zealand’s Comeback

New Zealand, who started off near the bottom of the points table, recently climbed up after securing two wins against India. This puts them in a favorable position to re-enter the WTC final, with a maximum achievable points percentage of 64.29 if they win their remaining games. Being the first team to win a WTC title, New Zealand is eager for another chance, making them a contender to watch.

South Africa’s Slim Chances

South Africa faces an uphill challenge. With a lower current ranking, they must win all their remaining games and still rely on other teams’ performances to have any hope of reaching the final. South Africa has five matches left—one against Bangladesh and two each against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. If they manage to win each match, their points could improve, but their path remains challenging and depends largely on how other teams perform.

As the World Test Championship progresses, the journey to the final is far from straightforward, with multiple teams in a neck-and-neck race. This intense competition promises to keep fans on the edge, as every match from here will play a crucial role in shaping the WTC 2025 finale.