Possible scenarios in race for World Test Championship finals with four teams in contention

Australia, India, South Africa, and New Zealand are all fighting to make it to the finals of the World Test Championships. South Africa comprehensively beat Sri Lanka to win the first of two Test matches to overtake Australia to be placed number two in the table. Rohit Sharma led India side are number 1 in the table on the back of their win in Perth. 

Current holders Australia has slipped to the third spot in the table with New Zealand at number 4. England’s 8-wicket win on Sunday meant that the Kiwis were dealt a huge blow in race for the WTC finals. All four teams will be action in a few days as the race is set to intensify with each passing day. 

India and Australia will meet in Adelaide to play the second Test match starting on 6th December. On the same day, New Zealand will take on England in the second Test match which is to be played in Wellington. South Africa on the other hand will start their 2nd and final Test against Sri Lanka a day earlier on 5th December in Gqeberha. 

Here are the complete scenarios in race for WTC Finals 

India – 61.11 % (4 Tests left)

Team India’s win in Perth by 295 runs has given them a huge second lease of life to make it to the WTC finals. Rohit Sharma’s men need to win the series with a huge margin and must avoid losing two games. This is the final series for India in the current WTC cycle and a thumping series win can see them seal their spot for the big game at Lord’s. 

South Africa – 59.26% (3 Tests left)

Temba Bavuma and his side completely outplayed Sri Lanka to take 1-0 lead in the twom match series. This has seen the Proteas climb to number 2 in the table overtaking defending champions Australia. In the next Test match they need to avoid a loss or draw against Sri Lanka and also beat Pakistan at home in the two Test series. 

Australia – 57.69% (6 Tests left)

Current WTC title holders Australia have 6 more games to play in the current cycle more than any other team. Pat Cummins’ side has to win the series against India or ensure a close series loss. This will be followed by a two-match series away to Sri Lanka which they will have to win. If the Aussies win all the games they can get a maximum of 71% and make it to the finals. If they loss both series at home and away, then their hopes of making it to the WTC finals will vanish into thin air. 

New Zealand – 54.55% (2 Tests left)

After their 3-0 away win against India, there were hopes that New Zealand are back in the race for a spot in the WTC finals. New Zealand were the inaugural winners of the tournament beating India in the finals in 2021. England’s win on Sunday now means the Kiwis have to win both the Test matches and wait for other results to go their way. 

Others – 

Sri Lanka still have a slight chance of making it to the WTC finals. Dhananjaya De Silva’s men have to win the 2nd Test in Gqeberha. The Lankans then have to beat Australia with 2-0 margin and hope for other results to go their way. England and Pakistan are out of contention along with West Indies and Bangladesh.