Team India’s chances of reaching World Test Championship (WTC) final looks to be slipping away after South Africa’s 143-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at home, which also secured the Test series by 2-0. Following the result, South Africa has climbed to the top of the standings, boasting an impressive Percentage of Points Earned (PCT) of 63.33%.
India after the loss in Adelaide have dropped down to third place putting their chances of qualifying for the WTC final in jeopardy. Rohit Sharma and co’s chances can hamper further if South Africa win 1-0 vs Pakistan.
South Africa needs just one victory against Pakistan to secure their place. If India does not qualify, its prospects will hinge on the results of the South Africa vs. Pakistan Test series. Nevertheless, there still remain potential pathways for India to clinch a spot in the WTC final
India should beat Australia by 3-2:
After a shocking 10-wicket defeat in Adelaide during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, the series is currently tied 1-1. India has fallen to third place, with their PCT dropping to 57.29%.
To secure a spot in the WTC final, India must defeat Australia 3-2, finishing with 146 points and a PCT of 64.05. This would ensure that Australia cannot overtake India, guaranteeing their place in the final. Achieving this will require India to perform at its best under Australian conditions.
India should beat Australia by 3-1:
Another scenario is for India to beat Australia 3-1. This would leave them with 138 points and a PCT of 60.52. In this case, even if Australia wins all its remaining matches against Sri Lanka, their maximum possible PCT would drop to 57, securing India’s position in the final and effectively eliminating Australia from contention.
If the series ends in a 2-2 draw:
A 2-2 draw in the series would be less favorable for India. They would finish with 126 points and a PCT of 57.01. Meanwhile, if Australia wins its remaining matches against Sri Lanka, it could reach 130 points and surpass India in the standings. This outcome would knock India out of contention for the final.
