• Source:JND
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WTC Final Scenarios: The race for making it to the World Test Championship final has intensified with India looking for their chances amid the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India took a positive step forward with a famous 295-run victory over Australia in the first Test at Perth, aiming to qualify for their third successive WTC final.

With 15 Tests to go in the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, several teams are still in contention, and no team is assured of a place in the top two.

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After India's win at Perth in the ongoing five-match Test against Australia, South Africa defeated Sri Lanka in Durban before England outclassed New Zealand in the Christchurch Test.

 

India

While victory in the Perth Test did give India a solid foundation to build on, Rohit Sharma's men still have a long way to go before they can be assured of a spot in the WTC final.

India's win over Australia by 5-0, 4-1, 4-0 or 3-0 will give them a safe qualification in the WTC final 2023-25.

Here are a few other scenarios for India to qualify for the WTC final.

 

South Africa

South Africa are currently placed second with a PCT of 59.26.

They have three remaining matches in the ongoing cycle which are extremely important. If they continue this winning run, they'll be safely placed to make the WTC final irrespective of other results.

 

Australia

The defending champions Australia have the best chance to qualify for next year's final, with six Tests still left in their current WTC cycle.

They will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining six Tests if they are to stand a chance to defend the title which they won last year.

While Australia are 1-0 down in the ongoing five-match series in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they will also tour Sri Lanka next year for an additional two Tests.

It means they could possibly draw 2-2 with India and stay in contention for a place in the final.

 

New Zealand

A historic Test series win in India boosted New Zealand's chances of making it to the WTC final. However, a recent defeat against England in the first Test at Christchurch has put them on the back foot.

Despite having their best effort, New Zealand cannot breach the all-important 60% point percentage mark on the World Test Championship table.

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A few favourable equations are needed to fall in place for Tom Latham’s side to make it to Lord’s next year.

 

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka stand in the fifth position at the moment after losing their first Test against South Africa.

They first need to win their second Test against South Africa and then put the best step forward at home against Australia.

The top two spots potentially still will be decided in the final series of the cycle.

If they lose one more Test and win two, their percentage will drop to 53.85, which would then leave them depending on several other results.