India Out? South Africa Nears WTC Qualification After Beating Sri Lanka

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South Africa have boosted their chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final with a thumping 143-run win over Sri Lanka, securing a 2-0 series victory at home. Led by Temba Bavuma, the Proteas now top the WTC points table with a points percentage (PCT) of 63.33, solidifying their position among the top two.

Meanwhile, India’s hopes of making it to their third consecutive WTC final took a hit after losing the pink-ball Test to Australia in Adelaide. India’s defeat dropped their PCT from 61.11 to 57.29, pushing them out of the top two. However, South Africa’s win has nearly eliminated Sri Lanka from the final race, indirectly helping India.

How Can India Qualify for WTC Final?

For India to secure their spot, they now need strong performances in the remaining three matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, currently tied at 1-1. Winning the series against Australia will be crucial for India’s chances, as relying on other results might not guarantee a spot in the final.

South Africa’s qualification path is relatively straightforward. If they win their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, they will confirm their place in the final. A 1-0 victory could still be enough for the Proteas, but a 2-0 win would leave no doubt about their qualification. For India, the pressure mounts as their fate is intertwined with their performance against Australia and the results of South Africa’s series.

To qualify directly, India must win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a 3-2 or 3-1 margin. A 3-2 victory would give India a PCT of 64.05, enough to overtake both Australia and South Africa. A 3-1 win would leave India with a PCT of 60.52, which would also secure their spot. However, a 2-2 draw would leave India vulnerable, with Australia and South Africa likely surpassing them in the standings.

India’s path to the WTC final is challenging but still within reach. Rohit Sharma and his team cannot afford another loss in the series. To ensure qualification, India must bring their best game and aim for at least two outright wins in the remaining matches. The next few weeks will determine whether India can make history by reaching their third consecutive WTC final or if South Africa and Australia will take center stage.

Read Original Content: India Out? South Africa Nears WTC Qualification After Beating Sri Lanka

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