ICC World Test Championship Final Scenario:
As the path to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final becomes increasingly convoluted, the Indian cricket team's journey seems daunting following a sweeping loss to New Zealand and a defeat to Australia in the Adelaide Test. According to the latest scenario, India's hopes might hinge on victories by the Pakistan team.
South Africa recently concluded a dominant 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, with the decisive battle occurring at St George's Park in Gqeberha, where the home side clinched a 109-run win.
India Holds the Third Spot on the Points Table
South Africa's emphatic win over Sri Lanka has considerably boosted their standing in the WTC points table. Now reigning in the top position, the South African team scored a total of 76 points with a percentage of 63.33 after 10 Test matches, featuring 6 wins, 3 losses, and 1 draw, surpassing Australia's stats.
Source: aajtak
Meanwhile, Australia has slid to second place, having gained 102 points through 9 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw over 14 matches, leaving them with a percentage of 60.71. India, currently in third position, secured 110 points from 16 matches, holding 9 wins, 6 losses, and 1 draw, with a percentage of 57.29. India is scheduled to play three more matches against Australia in this cycle.
How Pakistan Can Support India
Australia is set to tour Sri Lanka for a 2-match Test series in January. On the flip side, India will wrap up their WTC 2023-25 season with matches in Australia. Simultaneously, South Africa plans to host Pakistan in their 2-match Test series. Under the leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan is scheduled to play the first match starting December 26 in Centurion and the second on January 3 in Cape Town.
If India secures victories in the remaining three matches against Australia, it will enhance their chances of reaching the finals. However, if South Africa wins both Tests against Pakistan, they will continue to top the table and face the finals, positioning India in second place for the finals.
On the other hand, if Australia succeeds against Sri Lanka in both Tests, India can still reach the WTC finals by winning 2 out of the remaining 3 matches against Australia, even with one loss. This scenario assumes Pakistan either wins or draws both matches against South Africa.
