South Africa pulled off a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test at the Supersport Park in Centurion on Sunday. The win saw Proteas entering their maiden World Test Championship (WTC) final. The battle for the final spot will be between India and Australia with Border Gavaskar series currently undergoing down under. However has the Proteas dented India’s chances of qualifying for the WTC finals?
India’s qualification scenario for WTC finals
Team India’s percentage currently stands at 55.88 after the drawn Test in Brisbane. The side is currently third in the WTC standings with eight points separating them from Australia. India have only one game left after the Melbourne Test which will be played in Sydney.
If India win MCG Test but draw the series 2-2 with Australia’s win in Sydney, India will finish the WTC cycle with 126 points and a 55.26 PCT. Australia can, however, overhaul India with two draws or at least one win in Sri Lanka. The same case will be followed if Australia win in Melbourne but lose in Sydney.
If India draw MCG Test and win in Sydney, they will finish the WTC cycle on 130 points with a 57.01 PCT. Australia must then beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to qualify for the WTC final. If India lose the Melbourne Test but manage to salvage a draw in Sydney, they Rohit Sharma and co will end up with 118 points. If India play out draws in both Melbourne and Sydney, they will finish with 122 points and a 53.50 PCT. Australia will then be required to beat Sri Lanka at least in one match to pip India and qualify for the final.
