India’s path to qualify for the WTC final in 2025 is precarious following their defeat to Australia in the fourth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. They must win the upcoming Sydney Test and simultaneously hope for favorable results from Sri Lanka against Australia to secure a spot in the finals at Lord’s.
Australia has secured a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy, following their victory in the fourth Test against India held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, which ended in a draw after the second session. Despite this setback, India still maintains a possibility of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s on June 1, 2025, contingent upon their performance in the final match against Australia in Sydney and the outcomes of Sri Lanka’s matches against Australia at home.
As of now, the WTC 2023-25 points table reflects India’s current standing as third, with nine wins and seven losses out of eighteen matches played, accumulating a total of 114 points and a percentage points (PCT) of 52.77%. India requires a victory in Sydney to enhance their chances of securing a place in the final, which would yield 55.26 percentage points. Moreover, for India to qualify, Sri Lanka must defeat Australia in their upcoming series by a margin of 2-0.
The scenario alters dramatically should India draw or lose the match in Sydney, as these outcomes would eliminate them from contention for the WTC final, irrespective of Sri Lanka’s performance against Australia. This looming match in Sydney holds substantial weight for India, who quite literally must secure a victory to keep their hopes alive for the prestigious WTC title.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) World Test Championship is a major competition in international cricket that started in 2019. The ongoing WTC 2023-25 cycle is currently witnessing fierce competition among the top cricketing nations, with Australia, India, and South Africa leading the points table. The structure of the championship entails a complex point system where teams earn points based on their match outcomes—wins, losses, and draws—impacting their rankings and chances for qualifying for the finals based on their performances across various series.
In conclusion, India’s aspirations for qualifying for the WTC final in 2025 hinge on critical factors, particularly their upcoming match in Sydney. A victory is imperative for them to bolster their points and keep their qualification hopes alive, while they must also rely on Sri Lanka’s success against Australia. Alternatively, any unfavorable result in Sydney will effectively terminate India’s bid for the final, emphasizing the high stakes of this pivotal match.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
