India’s ICC World Test Championship final qualification chances have grown slimmer after losing the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test against Australia by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday.
Falling behind in the Boxing Day Test by a considerable margin within the first two days, India’s WTC 2025 final chances hit a major roadblock before the New Year’s Test in Sydney, starting January 3.
India’s WTC points percentage (PCT) slipped from 57.29 to 55.88 after the draw in Brisbane last week and it plunged further down to 52.77 with the latest result. Rohit Sharma’s team remain the third spot on the WTC standings, behind Australia (61.45) and South Africa (66.67), who secured their berth in next year’s final at Lord’s after beating Pakistan on Sunday at Centurion.
READ: South Africa qualify for WTC 2025 Final
Can India qualify for WTC final if they lose or draw Melbourne Test?
Only eight points, equivalent to two draws, separate Australia and India on the WTC standings. While India have only one game to go after the MCG Test, Australia have three more matches (two against Sri Lanka) left in this edition. Both teams will contest for a total of 228 points, increasing the importance of their two head-to-head contests in Melbourne and Sydney.
India’s WTC final scenarios after MCG loss
- If INDIA finish series 2-2 with win in Sydney, India will end their cycle with 126 points and a 55.26 PCT. Australia can then overhaul India with two draws or at least a win in Sri Lanka.
- If INDIA finish series 1-2 with draw in Sydney, they will end up with 118 points, which Australia would have overhauled by the end of the series.
Updated WTC points table after India vs Australia 4th Test on December 30, 2024
|
Pos. |
Team |
Matches |
Points Played |
Points |
PCT |
|||
| P | W | L | D | |||||
| 1 | South Africa (Q) | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 132 | 88 | 66.67 |
| 2 | Australia | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 192 | 118 | 61.45 |
| 3 | India | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 216 | 114 | 52.77 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 168 | 81 | 48.21 |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 132 | 60 | 45.45 |
| 6 | England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 264 | 114 | 43.18 |
| 7 | Bangladesh (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 144 | 45 | 31.25 |
| 8 | Pakistan (E) | 11 | 4 | 7 | 0 | 132 | 40 | 30.30 |
| 9 | West Indies (E) | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 132 | 32 | 24.24 |
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After a disappointing loss in the Melbourne Test against Australia, India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship final in 2025 might seem bleak. However, all is not lost as there are still a few scenarios through which India can secure their spot in the final.
One of the key factors for India to qualify for the WTC final is to bounce back strongly in the remaining matches of the series against Australia and secure a series win. This would help India earn crucial points and improve their standings in the WTC table.
Additionally, India will also need other results to go in their favor. They will have to rely on the performance of other teams in the competition and hope that certain outcomes work in their favor.
Another important aspect for India is to perform well in their upcoming series against England and other future series leading up to the final. Consistent performances and victories in these matches will be vital for India’s chances of making it to the WTC final.
In conclusion, while the loss in the Melbourne Test was a setback for India, there are still opportunities for them to qualify for the World Test Championship final in 2025. It will require strong performances, favorable results, and a bit of luck, but it is certainly not impossible for India to secure their spot in the final.
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