NEW DELHI: With a commanding 295-run victory against Australia, India have taken the first step towards the World Test Championships final that is scheduled to be held at Lord’s in June 2025.
The 0-3 defeat against New Zealand had made India’s task to qualify for WTC Final tougher with Australia, South Africa and Sri Lanka all closing in.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India need to win the five-Test series in Australia 4-0 to directly qualify for the WTC final and that would boost their percentage point above 65 percent.
But by starting the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 with a dominating victory, India have their hopes alive to reach their third successive WTC final.
But several other teams are also still in the race for WTC final qualification, each with varying scenarios.
India have increased their points tally to 110 and percentage to 61.11 after the win in Perth. With a strong recent record, India is in a relatively good position, needing three wins from their remaining four matches to secure their place in the final, but cannot take Australia lightly.
Defending champions Australia are placed at the second spot with 90 points and a percentage of 57.69.
Australia need at least four wins from their remaining seven matches to confirm qualification.
At the third spot are Sri Lanka, who have four matches left and need to win three of them to reach the WTC final. The Lankans have 60 points and a percentage of 55.56.
The 2021 WTC champions New Zealand are still in contention but will need to win most of their remaining matches, including a series against England, to stay in the hunt.
The Kiwis are at the fourth spot with 72 points and a percentage of 54.55.
South Africa are the fifth spot and their hopes are alive but dependent on winning their remaining four matches, including crucial home Tests.
Though India and Australia are in the driver’s seat, New Zealand, Sri Lanka, and South Africa still have slim chances depending on their performances and results from other teams.