Here’s India’s Qualification Scenarios for WTC Final After South Africa Secures Spot

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South Africa became the first team to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final after defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their series.

The match, held at Centurion, saw the Proteas chase down a tricky target of 148, thanks to an unbeaten 51-run partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. With this win, South Africa confirmed their spot in the WTC final, which will be played at Lord’s in June 2025.

This result has added pressure on India and Australia, both competing in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The WTC final will no longer be a repeat of the 2023 clash between these two teams. Here’s how India can still qualify for the summit clash.

India’s Qualification Scenarios

India’s current points percentage (PCT) stands at 55.88, placing them third in the WTC standings behind South Africa (66.67) and Australia (58.89). Rohit Sharma’s side has only one match left after the Melbourne Test, while Australia still has three games remaining, including two against Sri Lanka.

Here’s what India must do:

1. Win in Melbourne but Draw the Series 2-2
   If India win the Melbourne Test and Australia win in Sydney, India will finish with 126 points (55.26 PCT). Australia can still qualify with two draws or one win against Sri Lanka.
2. Draw in Melbourne and Win in Sydney
   India will end with 130 points (57.01 PCT). Australia must then beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to qualify.
3. Lose in Melbourne but Draw in Sydney
   India’s total will drop to 118 points, giving Australia a higher chance of qualification.
4. Draw Both Melbourne and Sydney Tests
   India will finish with 122 points (53.50 PCT). Australia would need at least one win against Sri Lanka to qualify.

Updated WTC Standings

1. South Africa (Q) – PCT: 66.67
2. Australia – PCT: 58.89
3. India – PCT: 55.88
4. New Zealand – PCT: 48.21
5. Sri Lanka – PCT: 45.45
6. England – PCT: 43.18
7. Pakistan – PCT: 30.30
8. Bangladesh – PCT: 31.25
9. West Indies – PCT: 24.24

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