What's new

Which teams will feature in the final of World Test Championship 2023-2025?

Which teams will feature in the final of WTC 2024?

  • Total voters
    36
Equation getting interesting now. First it was just a 2 horse race. Now if NZ can get another win then things could get pretty interesting again with BGT to follow.
 
Let Pakistan play on spinning tracks for a few more months maybe then we’ll see Pakistan-India final! lol
 
The 2 losses vs Bangladesh will hurt big time. We would’ve been sitting at 4th just behind Sri Lanka had we won those 2 games.

Even if we win the remaining 4 games vs SA (A) and WI (H), then we’ll still be sitting at around 51 PCT if you add in the 6 points deduction.
 
YousafTheBeast said:
The 2 losses vs Bangladesh will hurt big time. We would’ve been sitting at 4th just behind Sri Lanka had we won those 2 games.

Even if we win the remaining 4 games vs SA (A) and WI (H), then we’ll still be sitting at around 51 PCT if you add in the 6 points deduction.
Click to expand...
winning Test in SA for Pakistan is almost impossible, they should have won their home games to make their chances bright to qualify for the finals but its too late now.
 
Should Pakistan pull a Tottenham?
Lose to SA (which they will anyway) so more chances of SA v Aus final?
If India get to final they will probably win this time 3rd time lucky
 
Cricket Warrior said:
winning Test in SA for Pakistan is almost impossible, they should have won their home games to make their chances bright to qualify for the finals but its too late now.
Click to expand...
If my memory serves me well, Pakistan generally bowls well in SA.

We need two of our middle order batters to have a gun time, and then who knows. I dont rate this SA team too high.
 
Minnowbasher said:
Should Pakistan pull a Tottenham?
Lose to SA (which they will anyway) so more chances of SA v Aus final?
If India get to final they will probably win this time 3rd time lucky
Click to expand...

If South Africa beat SL and Pakistan and if Australia beat India, it should be Australia vs South Africa in the final.

I think this is very likely to happen.
 
sweep_shot said:
If South Africa beat SL and Pakistan and if Australia beat India, it should be Australia vs South Africa in the final.

I think this is very likely to happen.
Click to expand...
South Africa vs Pakistan - Winner SA

South Africa vs Sri Lanka - Winner SA

It all now hinges on BGT series
 
sweep_shot said:
If South Africa beat SL and Pakistan and if Australia beat India, it should be Australia vs South Africa in the final.

I think this is very likely to happen.
Click to expand...
very likely because SA will easily defeat both Pak and SL and very likely Australia will also defeat India as they are under pressure these days.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
very likely because SA will easily defeat both Pak and SL and very likely Australia will also defeat India as they are under pressure these days.
Click to expand...

Can't count on Saffers mate watch them choke against SL.
SL are a very capable test side. Pakistan on the other hand should be an easy whitewash.
 
India suffered a stunning 3-0 Test series loss to New Zealand at home, dropping to second in the World Test Championship standings with 58.33%.

To secure a WTC Final spot, Rohit Sharma's team must win at least four matches in the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
 
Australia vs South Africa is the final likely to happen.
 
India is going to loose in Australia- best is by 3-2, worst can be 5-0. That confirms Australia- for their opponents, I think SAF has the best chance. Not sure what’ll be the equation if Kiwis win 3-0 against Poms, but SAF should win at least 3 out of 4 remaining home Tests. That should be enough.

I would like to NZ in final though - they did something probably wasn’t even 1:10000 odd - winning 3-0 in India.
 
India head coach Gautam Gambhir in a pre-departure press conference before leaving for Australia ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25:

"Look, honestly, we are not looking at what's going to happen in the World Test Championship. Whether we are going to qualify every series is important. As simple as it can get when you play for your country when you represent your country, every series is important, irrespective of what has happened in the past for us."

"I think, two good teams playing against each other, and obviously, we're absolutely keen to go out there and perform and try and win the series."
 
India breathe life into WTC25 Final dreams after triumph over Australia in Perth

India’s 295-run win against Australia has shaken up the top of the World Test Championship Standings.

Needing to win at least four of the five matches in the Border-Gavaskar series to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship Final, India took the first crucial step with a monumental victory over Australia in Perth.

The 295-run win was India’s largest margin of victory against Australia away from home in terms of runs, surpassing their 222-run triumph in Melbourne back in 1977.

The victory propelled India to the top of the WTC25 standings with a points percentage of 61.11, while Australia dropped to second place with 57.69.

After inflicting heavy damage late on Day 3, leaving Australia struggling at 12/3, India required just seven more wickets to seal the game on Day 4.

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj picked up a pair of wickets during the opening session as India moved within sight of victory at lunch on the fourth day of the first Test against Australia in Perth.

Siraj claimed the key wickets of Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith with some superb fast bowling as Australia moved to 104/5 after one session on Monday and still requiring a further 430 runs for an unlikely victory.

Australia lost the dangerous Travis Head soon after Lunch on a well-made 89, as Bumrah snapped his third wicket of the innings, breaking a solid 81-run sixth-wicket stand. Four overs later, Nitish Reddy bowled Mitchell Marsh (47) to leave Australia reeling on 182/7.

Washington Sundar ended Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc's stubborn resistance just before Tea as India inched closer to a big win in Perth. The end of the 45-run partnership was down to Dhruv Jurel's brilliance, who pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at short leg to dismiss Starc.

Sundar struck again on the other side of the break, deceiving opposite offie Nathan Lyon with a peach of a delivery to rattle the stumps.

Harshit Rana sealed the win with a brilliant slower delivery that bowled out Carey, wrapping up the proceedings and giving India a comprehensive victory.

It was a game of two halves for both teams. After opting to bat first, India were bowled out for just 150, staring down a heavy defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah, standing in as captain in full-time skipper Rohit Sharma's absence, swung the momentum back in India’s favor with a brilliant five-wicket haul that restricted Australia to just 104.

Despite the pitch easing considerably compared to the first innings, India still had to dig deep with the bat in the second innings. Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100*) led the charge for the visitors with centuries.

www.icc-cricket.com

India breathe life into WTC25 Final dreams after triumph over Australia in Perth

India’s 295-run win against Australia has shaken up the top of the World Test Championship Standings.
www.icc-cricket.com www.icc-cricket.com
 
It appears clear now that either of Australia or India is going to miss the final because as per current scenario South Africa has made a great resurgence and have only Pakistan in way of its WTC final berth.
 
The Bald Eagle said:
It appears clear now that either of Australia or India is going to miss the final because as per current scenario South Africa has made a great resurgence and have only Pakistan in way of its WTC final berth.
Click to expand...
still long to go.. i am very much certain that India and Australia will play the final.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
still long to go.. i am very much certain that India and Australia will play the final.
Click to expand...
Only mathematically possible. Practically not possible for India. They couldn't even afford one draw let alone loss agianst NZ. But had 3 losses.That virtually shut down India.
 
I think the two best teams going around are South Africa and India and they must reach the finals but unfortunately that won't happen because of the nature of format and inconsistency of power. :inti
 
Ab Fan said:
I think the two best teams going around are South Africa and India and they must reach the finals but unfortunately that won't happen because of the nature of format and inconsistency of power. :inti
Click to expand...
SA definitely deserves it.
 
Ab Fan said:
I think the two best teams going around are South Africa and India and they must reach the finals but unfortunately that won't happen because of the nature of format and inconsistency of power. :inti
Click to expand...

If will be hilarious if South Africa ends up winning the WTC after not even giving a hoot about it by sending a reserve strength team to NZ.
 
The Bald Eagle said:
It would be a dream storyline for them
Click to expand...

Not sure about dream but definitely poetic.

All these years, they were desperate for a world title but were left empty handed tournament after tournament but the moment they stop caring, they are looking good to win it all..still a long way to go though.
 
Cricket Warrior said:
still long to go.. i am very much certain that India and Australia will play the final.
Click to expand...
Not possible practically. SA had to win all 4 home games against weak opposition SL and Pak or atleast 3. They are already 1 game in. Whereas Ind and Aus play against each other so that reduces the possibility of both of them advancing
 
Ab Fan said:
I think the two best teams going around are South Africa and India and they must reach the finals but unfortunately that won't happen because of the nature of format and inconsistency of power. :inti
Click to expand...
I would not agree with this. SA played weaker teams and played them at home as well. That is the one issue I have with the WTC format. You can not evn play Ind Aus Eng NZ and still be in the final. Eng will always have a tough chance because they constantly play Ind Aus on a regular basis and they are in the top 3 teams in the format. Most probably it will be a SA vs Aus / Ind.
 
Explained: How Both India & Australia Can Qualify For WTC 2025 Final

As many as five teams—India, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and South Africa—are alive in the race to finish in the top-two of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table and qualify for the WTC 2025 final next year, which is scheduled to take place at the iconic Lord’s from June 11 to 15. India, which suffered defeats in the finals of the 2021 and 2023 WTC, currently sits at No. 1 position in the WTC 2023-25 points table with 61.11 PCT%.

2023 winners Australia is in 2nd place with 57.69 PCT%, and the two finalists of last year’s edition are followed by Sri Lanka (55.56 PCT%), New Zealand (54.55 PCT%), and South Africa (54.17 PCT%).

India is playing in its last Test series of the ongoing cycle against Australia in Australia these days, whereas New Zealand’s last series got underway on Thursday (November 28) against England in Christchurch. Australia, which is hosting India, and South Africa, which is hosting Sri Lanka, will play one more series each.

All five teams have a chance to book a place in the WTC 2025 final. For India to finish in the top-two, they have to make sure that they win the ongoing five-match series against Australia with a score line of either 4-0 or 5-0. If India manages to do so, then irrespective of how other teams perform in their remaining matches, the Rohit Sharma-led side will finish in the top-two and play in the WTC final for the third season in a row.


www.news18.com

Explained: How Both India & Australia Can Qualify For WTC 2025 Final - News18

Both India and Australia can qualify for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's from June 11 to 15 next year.
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
deltexas said:
I would not agree with this. SA played weaker teams and played them at home as well. That is the one issue I have with the WTC format. You can not evn play Ind Aus Eng NZ and still be in the final. Eng will always have a tough chance because they constantly play Ind Aus on a regular basis and they are in the top 3 teams in the format. Most probably it will be a SA vs Aus / Ind.
Click to expand...
SA played India at home and NZ away.
 
Very unlikely that we will see an India Australia final because in the ongoing series one team is going to cancel out the other. If India do well, Australia will be out and vice versa. Its a good thing, we need more teams outside Big 3 Reaching on top in ICC events.
 

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final​

South Africa’s comprehensive victory in Durban helped them overtake Australia to secure second place in the World Test Championship 2025 standings.

ICC World Test Championship 2025 Standings​

A number of engaging battles are being fought in the World Test Championship arena, with South Africa's recent victory over Sri Lanka significantly changing the equation.

Despite a late fight from Sri Lanka's batters, South Africa secured a comfortable win by 233 runs on the fourth day in Durban. This win helped the Proteas improve their point percentage to 59.26%, overtaking Australia to the second spot. On the other hand, Sri Lanka slipped to fifth.

A successful home run in the upcoming Tests can further boost South Africa’s chances of a first-ever WTC Final appearance.

Top Standings:​

  1. India – 61.11% of possible points
    Remaining matches: Australia (away, four Tests)
    India bounced back after a tough series against New Zealand with a comprehensive win in Australia. They need to win three of their remaining four matches to ensure qualification.
  2. South Africa – 59.26% of possible points
    Remaining matches: Sri Lanka (home, one Test), Pakistan (home, two Tests)
    South Africa's brilliant win over Sri Lanka has boosted their chances. They need to continue this winning run to stay in contention for the final.
  3. Australia – 57.69% of possible points
    Remaining matches: India (home, four Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
    Defending champions Australia are still in the race but need to win a minimum of four of their remaining six Tests.
  4. New Zealand – 54.55% of possible points
    Remaining matches: England (home, three Tests)
    New Zealand will need to win all their remaining matches to finish in the top two places.
  5. Sri Lanka – 50% of possible points
    Remaining matches: South Africa (away, one Test), Australia (home, two Tests)
    A loss to South Africa puts Sri Lanka's qualification hopes in jeopardy, but a win in the second Test could still keep their hopes alive.
  6. England – 40.79% of possible points
    Remaining matches: New Zealand (away, three Tests)
    England has dropped out of contention, with only three matches left.
  7. Pakistan – 33.33% of possible points
    Remaining matches: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)
    Pakistan remains out of contention for the final with six teams ahead of them in the standings.
  8. West Indies – 26.67% of possible points
    Remaining matches: Bangladesh (home, one match), Pakistan (away, two matches)
    West Indies has had a poor cycle but could finish with 43.59% if they win their remaining matches.
  9. Bangladesh – 25% of possible points
    Remaining matches: West Indies (away, one match)
    Bangladesh is at the bottom of the standings and needs to win their last match to finish with a percentage of 31.25%. However, they are unlikely to qualify for the final.

www.icc-cricket.com

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

South Africa surged to the top of the World Test Championship standings, edging past Australia following a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.
www.icc-cricket.com www.icc-cricket.com
 
World Test Championship contender hit with points deduction

Points deductions for two Test nations sees the race to feature at next year's Final thrown wide open.

The race to feature at next year's ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's has taken a twist with New Zealand and England sanctioned for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening Test of their series in Christchurch.

Both teams were fined 15 percent of their match fees and penalised three crucial World Test Championship competition points, adding more intrigue to the thrilling final stages of the ongoing cycle.

While England are already out of contention of reaching next year's final despite the impressive eight-wicket triumph at Hagley Oval, the loss in competition points is a major blow to New Zealand who drop from equal fourth to outright fifth on the standings as a result.

New Zealand now have a points percentage of 47.92 percent and can only move as high as 55.36 percent with victories from their remaining two fixtures against England.

It means the inaugural World Test Championship winners face a tough ask to qualify for next year's one-off Test in June 2025, with two wins against England and several other results also needing to go their way if they are to reach the Lord's decider.

New Zealand and England were both found to have three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, with sides penalised one point for each over they were found to be short.

Both captains - Tom Latham of New Zealand and Ben Stokes of England - pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges, with David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposing the sanctions.

Source: ICC
 
The Bald Eagle said:
World Test Championship contender hit with points deduction

Points deductions for two Test nations sees the race to feature at next year's Final thrown wide open.

The race to feature at next year's ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's has taken a twist with New Zealand and England sanctioned for maintaining a slow over-rate during the opening Test of their series in Christchurch.

Both teams were fined 15 percent of their match fees and penalised three crucial World Test Championship competition points, adding more intrigue to the thrilling final stages of the ongoing cycle.

While England are already out of contention of reaching next year's final despite the impressive eight-wicket triumph at Hagley Oval, the loss in competition points is a major blow to New Zealand who drop from equal fourth to outright fifth on the standings as a result.

New Zealand now have a points percentage of 47.92 percent and can only move as high as 55.36 percent with victories from their remaining two fixtures against England.

It means the inaugural World Test Championship winners face a tough ask to qualify for next year's one-off Test in June 2025, with two wins against England and several other results also needing to go their way if they are to reach the Lord's decider.

New Zealand and England were both found to have three overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration, with sides penalised one point for each over they were found to be short.

Both captains - Tom Latham of New Zealand and Ben Stokes of England - pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton levelled the charges, with David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposing the sanctions.

Source: ICC
Click to expand...

Stokes hits it for 6

s3FzT3h.png
 
BouncerGuy said:
Stokes hits it for 6

s3FzT3h.png
Click to expand...
100% Has a point. I agree with him. If any test match finishes before Stumps of Day 5, then Over-rate simply doesn't matter, is irrelevant and shouldn't be considered at all.

Only have over-rate penalties for drawn test matches / tie that arent heavily affected by rain.

And also, I dont like the overate penalty, its too much to deduct points, people may not like this but fines is the way to go.
 
Bilal Ahmad15 said:
100% Has a point. I agree with him. If any test match finishes before Stumps of Day 5, then Over-rate simply doesn't matter, is irrelevant and shouldn't be considered at all.

Only have over-rate penalties for drawn test matches / tie that arent heavily affected by rain.

And also, I dont like the overate penalty, its too much to deduct points, people may not like this but fines is the way to go.
Click to expand...

Agree with Stokes here.

If game finishes on Day 3 or Day 4, over-rate shouldn't be considered. It only becomes a factor if all 5 days have been used up.
 
South Africa appears to be one of the finalist, second one is up for grab among BGT teams
 
World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

Australia top the standings with a massive win in Adelaide, while England's unassailable 2-0 lead has spoiled New Zealand's chances of making it to the ICC World Test Championship 2025 final.

Australia's terrific performance in Adelaide was a testament to the grit of the strong Test side. They produced a brilliant bowling display across a little over two days to defeat India by 10 wickets and level the series 1-1. This win also helped them capture the summit of the WTC25 standings once again as India slipped to No.3

Following England's win over New Zealand in Christchurch in the first Test, both sides were penalised three WTC points for maintaining a slow over-rate and the Black Caps dropped to the fifth place in the standings.

New Zealand's chances of making it to the summit clash took a significant hit after yet another dominating performance by England in the second Test in Wellington. They defeated the hosts by 323 runs and displaced from the fifth position in the WTC standings to No.6, thereby denting their chances of making it to the top 2.

A look at how each side stands.

First - Australia - 60.71% of possible points

Remaining matches: India (home, three Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)

Best possible finish: 67.65%

It has been a closely fought contest between Australia and India to remain in the top two of the WTC25 standings. The reigning World Test Championship winners Australia, who had regained the top spot after India's series loss to New Zealand, slipped when they lost in Perth with India reaching the top.

South Africa's win in the first Test against Sri Lanka pushed them down to No.3. However, a dominating win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide have propelled them to the top once again.

With the Border-Gavaskar series now tied at 1-1, Australia are in a strong position for a top two finish. They will also tour Sri Lanka next year for an additional two Tests, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with India and stay in contention for a place in the final.

Second - South Africa - 59.26% of possible points

Remaining matches: Sri Lanka (home, one Test), Pakistan (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 69.44%

Carrying on the form from their impressive series win over Bangladesh in the sub-continent to home, South Africa secured a brilliant win over Sri Lanka in the opening Test of their home season. This has helped them overtake Australia, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka to secure the second spot in the WTC Standings.

The following three games are extremely important for South Africa, for if they continue this winning run, they'll be safely placed to make the World Test Championship irrespective of how the other sides fare.

Third - India - 57.29% of possible points

Remaining matches: Australia (away, three Tests)

Best possible finish: 64.04%

After an unprecedented 3-0 series whitewash at home in October against New Zealand which pushed them down a spot in the WTC table, India bounced back in the race for Lord's with a comprehensive win in Australia.

An all-round display from the batters and the bowlers in Perth has rekindled India's hopes for a third straight appearance in the WTC Final. However, their hopes were dashed when they suffered a 10-wicket loss at the hands of Australia in the second Test, which forced them to slip to No.3 in the Standings.

It won't be easy but is not impossible as India need to win all of their three matches to ensure qualification.

Fourth - Sri Lanka - 50% of possible points

Remaining matches: South Africa (away, one Test), Australia (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 61.54%

A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England followed by a 2-0 whitewash of New Zealand at home was the highlight of Sri Lanka's recent Test returns, and the island nation went to South Africa confidently.

However, a big loss in Durban means that the Asian side needs to recalibrate its approach and bounce back in the second Test of the series.

If Sri Lanka can pinch a victory in the second Test, it could still lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.

Fifth - England - 45.24% of possible points

Remaining matches: New Zealand (away, one Test)

Best possible finish: 47.73%

While a rampant home season had sparked some hopes for England, consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen them drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final.

They began their final outing in the WTC, a three-match series against the Black Caps towards the end of November on a positive note with an eight-wicket win. And then followed it up with a big 323-win in the second Test, thereby taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Sixth - New Zealand - 44.23% of possible points

Remaining matches: England (home, one Test)

Best possible finish: 48.21%

A historic series sweep in India had bolstered New Zealand's hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title but their chances took a severe hit following a loss to Ben Stokes’ England in the first Test in Christchurch.

New Zealand's hopes were further dented after they were penalised three points for a slow over-rate in the first Test. As a result, they dropped to fifth in the standings, having previously shared fourth place with Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps' woes continued when they suffered a big defeat in the second Test in Wellington, losing by 323 runs and slipping to sixth in the standings as England overtook them.

Even if they win the remaining Test, New Zealand cannot breach the all-important 60% point percentage mark on the World Test Championship table and have effectively crashed out of the finals' race.

Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points

Remaining matches: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 52.38%

Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.

While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.

They next play South Africa at the end of December and then will welcome West Indies home for two Tests in January next year.

Eighth - Bangladesh - 31.25% of possible points

Remaining matches: Nil

Best Possible Finish: 31.25%

The Asian side finished their campaign on a high with an impressive 101-run victory over the West Indies that helped them off the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

While it has been a relatively disappointing cycle for Bangladesh, they will be buoyed by the fact they won three Test matches away from home that included a series sweep over Pakistan earlier this year.

That gives Bangladesh some hope for the next cycle, though they will want to find some more consistent results on home soil.

Ninth - West Indies - 24.24% of possible points

Remaining matches: Pakistan (away, two matches)

Best Possible Finish: 35.90%

Inconsistency has plagued the West Indies for much of the current cycle, with some of their best moments often followed by disappointing efforts.

The highlight so far was their moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, while their recent triumph over Bangladesh at home in the first Test showed what they are capable of when producing their best cricket.

A batting collapse in the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh proved too much for the West Indies to overturn as they fell to a 101-run loss in Jamaica to drop to ninth place on the standings, but they at least get the chance to finish on a high with a two-match series in Pakistan early in 2025.

ICC
 
World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

South Africa surged to the top of the World Test Championship standings, edging past Australia following a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.

Australia's brief stint at the top of the 2023-25 World Test Championship standings lasted just over a day, as South Africa overtook them with a hard-earned victory over Sri Lanka by 109 runs.

The Proteas had to dig deep, but a standout all-round performance helped them secure the win, placing them as the front-runners for the WTC25 Final at Lord’s.

A day before, Australia's terrific performance in Adelaide put them on top of the table. They produced a brilliant bowling display across a little over two days to defeat India by 10 wickets and level the series 1-1. As a result, India slipped to No.3 in the table.

Following England's win over New Zealand in Christchurch in the first Test, both sides were penalised three WTC points for maintaining a slow over-rate and the Black Caps dropped to the fifth place in the standings.

New Zealand's chances of making it to the summit clash took a significant hit after yet another dominating performance by England in the second Test in Wellington. They defeated the hosts by 323 runs and displaced from the fifth position in the WTC standings to No.6, thereby denting their chances of making it to the top 2.

First - South Africa - 63.33% of possible points

Remaining matches: Pakistan (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 69.44%

Carrying on the form from their impressive series win over Bangladesh in the sub-continent, South Africa whitewashed Sri Lanka 2-0 at home. This dominant performance has propelled them to the top of the World Test Championship standings, surpassing Australia.

The upcoming two home games against Pakistan are extremely important for South Africa, for if they continue this winning run, they'll be safely placed to make the World Test Championship irrespective of how the other sides fare.

Second - Australia - 60.71% of possible points

Remaining matches: India (home, three Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)

Best possible finish: 67.65%

It has been a closely fought contest between Australia and India to remain in the top two of the WTC25 standings. The reigning World Test Championship winners Australia, who had regained the top spot after India's series loss to New Zealand, slipped when they lost in Perth with India reaching the top.

South Africa's win in the first Test against Sri Lanka pushed them down to No.3. However, a dominant win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide propelled them to the top once again, albeit only temporarily as the Proteas surged ahead to claim the No.1 spot.

With the Border-Gavaskar series now tied at 1-1, Australia are in a strong position for a top-two finish. They will also tour Sri Lanka next year for an additional two Tests, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with India and stay in contention for a place in the final.

Third - India - 57.29% of possible points

Remaining matches: Australia (away, three Tests)

Best possible finish: 64.04%

After an unprecedented 3-0 series whitewash at home in October against New Zealand which pushed them down a spot in the WTC table, India bounced back in the race for Lord's with a comprehensive win against Australia in Perth.

An all-round display from the batters and the bowlers in Perth has rekindled India's hopes for a third straight appearance in the WTC Final. However, their hopes were dashed when they suffered a 10-wicket loss at the hands of Australia in the second Test, which forced them to slip to No.3 in the Standings.

It won't be easy but is not impossible as India need to win all of their three matches to ensure qualification.

Fourth - Sri Lanka - 45.45% of possible points

Remaining matches: Australia (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 53.85%

A head-turning victory over England in the third Test away followed by a 2-0 whitewash of New Zealand at home was the highlight of Sri Lanka's recent Test returns, and the Island nation went to South Africa confidently.

However, a 2-0 series whitewash at the hands of the Proteas has significantly damaged Sri Lanka's chances of reaching the WTC25 Final, leaving them needing several results to go their way for any hope of qualification.

Fifth - England - 45.24% of possible points

Remaining matches: New Zealand (away, one Test)

Best possible finish: 47.73%

While a rampant home season had sparked some hopes for England, consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen them drop out of contention for a spot at next year's final.

They began their final outing in the WTC, a three-match series against the Black Caps towards the end of November on a positive note with an eight-wicket win. And then followed it up with a big 323-win in the second Test, thereby taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Sixth - New Zealand - 44.23% of possible points

Remaining matches: England (home, one Test)

Best possible finish: 48.21%

A historic series sweep in India had bolstered New Zealand's hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title but their chances took a severe hit following a loss to Ben Stokes’ England in the first Test in Christchurch.

New Zealand's hopes were further dented after they were penalised three points for a slow over-rate in the first Test. As a result, they dropped to fifth in the standings, having previously shared fourth place with Sri Lanka.

The Black Caps' woes continued when they suffered a big defeat in the second Test in Wellington, losing by 323 runs and slipping to sixth in the standings as England overtook them.

Even if they win the remaining Test, New Zealand cannot breach the all-important 60% point percentage mark on the World Test Championship table and have effectively crashed out of the finals' race.

Seventh - Pakistan - 33.33% of possible points

Remaining matches: South Africa (away, two Tests), West Indies (home, two Tests)

Best Possible Finish: 52.38%

Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.

While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.

They next play South Africa at the end of December and then will welcome West Indies home for two Tests in January next year.

Eighth - Bangladesh - 31.25% of possible points

Remaining matches: Nil

Best Possible Finish: 31.25%

The Asian side finished their campaign on a high with an impressive 101-run victory over the West Indies that helped them off the bottom of the World Test Championship standings.

While it has been a relatively disappointing cycle for Bangladesh, they will be buoyed by the fact they won three Test matches away from home that included a series sweep over Pakistan earlier this year.

That gives Bangladesh some hope for the next cycle, though they will want to find some more consistent results on home soil.

Ninth - West Indies - 24.24% of possible points

Remaining matches: Pakistan (away, two matches)

Best Possible Finish: 35.90%

Inconsistency has plagued the West Indies for much of the current cycle, with some of their best moments often followed by disappointing efforts.

The highlight so far was their moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, while their recent triumph over Bangladesh at home in the first Test showed what they are capable of when producing their best cricket.

A batting collapse in the first innings of the second Test against Bangladesh proved too much for the West Indies to overturn as they fell to a 101-run loss in Jamaica to drop to ninth place on the standings, but they at least get the chance to finish on a high with a two-match series in Pakistan early in 2025.

www.icc-cricket.com

World Test Championship - State of Play ahead of 2025 final

South Africa surged to the top of the World Test Championship standings, edging past Australia following a hard-fought win over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha.
www.icc-cricket.com www.icc-cricket.com
 
After today's win South Africa definitely one of it, Pakistan can't defeat them in their den
 
mominsaigol said:
Naw it's SA vs Aus unless India wins 3 in a row. Which i doubt they will. They may win the series but aus is defo denying them a wtc
Click to expand...
Yes Australia has a better chance because they still have two games against Sri Lanka. Any more defeats for India on this tour and it's game over for them.
 
India has the toughest path to the final among all the remaining teams. Odds are heavily stacked against them.
 
So India getting whitewashed by Kiwis has blown their chances big time. I don't see India winning remaining three games and qualify.
AUSTRALIA vs SOUTH AFRICA coming
 
As of now I just want the Indian team to win/draw this BGt, that will help us retain the trophy, giving a drubbing to the supposed champions for 5 times in a row home and away would be sweet.

Real Australian fans care way more about this series than they do about the WTC finals, not talking about fake Australians though.

On Australian forums there is a separate section created just to capture this series, WTC final doesn’t warrant the same attention from real Aussies.

I would definitely like India to play WTC but if it’s a choice between BGT and WTC I pick BGT.
 
mominsaigol said:
Naw it's SA vs Aus unless India wins 3 in a row. Which i doubt they will. They may win the series but aus is defo denying them a wtc
Click to expand...
The equation is more complex than that.

India need two wins and a draw to be 100% secured.

But, If BGT ends up 2-2 then India can still qualify if Australia doesn’t win a match in SriLanka which is possible.

Now if India somehow wins BGT 3-2 then Australia needs to win one and draw one in SriLanka.
 
Gabba draw leaves World Test Championship race in the balance

Bad weather sees the spoils shared in Brisbane in the crucial ICC World Test Championship contest from the Gabba.

Attention turns to the final two matches of Australia's home series against India as a draw in Brisbane leaves the race to feature in next year's World Test Championship final wide open.

Brisbane's fickle December weather left both sides frustrated in the search for what was an unlikely victory on Wednesday, with bad weather around the Gabba leading to the respective captains shaking hands just after the scheduled time for tea on the final day.

India had been set 275 for victory as Australia declared their second innings after just 18 overs to setup a grandstand finish, with the tourists reaching 8/0 in reply before the inclement weather set in.

The hosts declared their second innings at 89/7, leaving India with a minimum of 56 overs to chase down the victory target and claim a 2-1 series lead.

Akash Deep was the last wicket to fall as India were dismissed for 260 in their first innings early on the final day and the Aussies set about scoring some quick runs once the weather cleared and they finally got the chance to chase a positive result.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Deep bowled well to ensure none of Australia's batters got going, with skipper Pat Cummins declaring the hosts' innings shortly after he had been dismissed for a quickfire 22.

Ongoing storms in the area saw play called off after tea, with the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series locked at 1-1 and both teams forced to settle for four points in the race to feature at next year's ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

Australia remain in second place on the World Test Championship standings with a 58.89 points percentage and just in front of India in third with 55.88 percent.

South Africa (63.33 percent) are out in front of the standings and in the box seat to feature in the one-off Test in June 2025, with Australia and India their closest challengers ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and the new year Test in Sydney at the start of next year.

ICC
 
I predict IND and RSA to make it into the final.
However, as usual in English conditions I also expect Rabada, Burger, and co to go past IND in the final.
 
sweep_shot said:
If Aussies beat India 3-2, AUS-SL will become a dead rubber series I believe.
Click to expand...
yeah true but it seems like Aus-Ind series will end at 2-1 in favour of Australia and if SL somehow defeat any of the Test to Aus so India can definitely get a life.
 
South Africa seems to have made it already.

It’s a race between Aussies and Bharat for the second finalist spot and it seems like odds are heavily in favour of Australia.
 
How Can India Qualify For WTC Final After Brisbane Test Ends In A Draw

The third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia ended in a draw on Wednesday, December 18. Due to rain, only 2.1 overs of play was possible in the fourth innings of the match, which was played from December 14 to 18 at The Gabba in Brisbane. As a result of the draw in Brisbane, India managed to retain its No. 3 position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. With just two matches left to play for India in the ongoing cycle, the world No. 2 Test team’s chances of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final are on a knife’s edge now.

India, which lost the 2021 and 2023 WTC finals against New Zealand and Australia, respectively, will qualify for the WTC final at Lord’s next year if Rohit Sharma’s men beat Australia in the next two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The last two Tests of the ongoing five-match series between India and Australia are scheduled to take place in Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).

If the Test series ends 2-1 in favour of Team India, then India will need Sri Lanka to avoid a whitewash against Australia. After the conclusion of the ongoing series against India, the Baggy Greens will travel to Sri Lanka next year to take part in a two-match Test series.

If both India and Australia manage to win one more Test each and the series ends with a scoreline of 2-2, then India would need Sri Lanka to win the Test series against Australia.

And in case the Melbourne and Sydney Test also ends in a draw, then for India to qualify for the WTC 2025 final, Sri Lanka must draw or beat Australia in the two-match Test series.


www.news18.com

How Can India Qualify For WTC Final After Brisbane Test Ends In A Draw - News18

After the third Test between India and Australia ends in a draw, India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final are on a knife's edge now.
www.news18.com www.news18.com
 
Cricket Warrior said:
How Can India Qualify For WTC Final After Brisbane Test Ends In A Draw

The third Test of the ongoing five-match Test series between India and Australia ended in a draw on Wednesday, December 18. Due to rain, only 2.1 overs of play was possible in the fourth innings of the match, which was played from December 14 to 18 at The Gabba in Brisbane. As a result of the draw in Brisbane, India managed to retain its No. 3 position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. With just two matches left to play for India in the ongoing cycle, the world No. 2 Test team’s chances of qualifying for the WTC 2025 final are on a knife’s edge now.

India, which lost the 2021 and 2023 WTC finals against New Zealand and Australia, respectively, will qualify for the WTC final at Lord’s next year if Rohit Sharma’s men beat Australia in the next two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

The last two Tests of the ongoing five-match series between India and Australia are scheduled to take place in Melbourne (December 26-30) and Sydney (January 3-7).

If the Test series ends 2-1 in favour of Team India, then India will need Sri Lanka to avoid a whitewash against Australia. After the conclusion of the ongoing series against India, the Baggy Greens will travel to Sri Lanka next year to take part in a two-match Test series.

If both India and Australia manage to win one more Test each and the series ends with a scoreline of 2-2, then India would need Sri Lanka to win the Test series against Australia.

And in case the Melbourne and Sydney Test also ends in a draw, then for India to qualify for the WTC 2025 final, Sri Lanka must draw or beat Australia in the two-match Test series.


www.news18.com

How Can India Qualify For WTC Final After Brisbane Test Ends In A Draw - News18

After the third Test between India and Australia ends in a draw, India's chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final are on a knife's edge now.
www.news18.com www.news18.com
Click to expand...
India ain't qualifying, wtc belongs to aus once agaim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

R
Is it unfair to other teams that the ICC World Test Championship finals are always held in England?
2
Replies
103
Views
2K
mominsaigol
mominsaigol
BouncerGuy
  • Poll
[PICTURES] Afghanistan A clinch the ACC Men's T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 title after beating Sri Lanka A in the final
2
Replies
96
Views
3K
DeadlyVenom
D
FearlessRoar
[Report] ICC approves the hybrid model for the Champions Trophy 2025 following an agreement between the PCB and BCCI [Post Updated #4739]
60 61 62
Replies
5K
Views
90K
Giroux28
G
MenInG
World Test Championship 2023-25
2 3 4
Replies
243
Views
10K
Fanboy375
Fanboy375
BouncerGuy
Mohsin Naqvi confirms that the Pakistan-England Test series will be held in Multan and Rawalpindi [Post Updated #92]
2
Replies
104
Views
3K
FearlessRoar
FearlessRoar
Back
Top