India’s Qualification Scenarios for WTC Final After Losing MCG Test

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After facing a terrible defeat in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), the only question forcing Indian cricket fans to take out their calculators during the holiday season is: “How can India still qualify for the WTC final?” The final is scheduled to take place at Lord’s next year in June.

Before the start of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Test series, the fate of the Indian team was in their hands. However, with Australia taking a 2-1 lead in the five-match Test series, the scenarios have changed dramatically. With South Africa qualifying yesterday, the only spot left for India to fight for is No. 2.

In total, three teams are contending for this spot:

• Australia
• India
• Sri Lanka

Here is how the Men in Blue can still keep their hopes alive to represent their nation at the “Mecca of Cricket” in June 2025.

Do or Die!

The new year is going to start with a “Do or Die” situation for the Blue Caps. The Indian side, led by Rohit Sharma, needs to win the Sydney Test match starting from January 3, 2025, at any cost. This would not only help them keep their chances alive but would also allow them to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for one more time.

A win in the Sydney Test would boost India’s win percentage to 55.26 from 52.78.

Root for Sri Lanka!

Coming from the land of Lord Rama, it is not conventional for Indian fans to support Sri Lanka. But it is what it is! The awful defeat at the MCG has left them with no other option but to root for a Sri Lanka victory against the mighty Aussies in the upcoming two-match Test series starting from January 29, 2025.

If Sri Lanka manages to whitewash Australia on their home soil, it could pave the way for India to meet South Africa in the ICC trophy final once again. In another case, a 1-0 win for the Lankan Lions could also see India cruising towards WTC final. However, India can not afford the Sri Lanka vs Australia Test series to end with a scoreline of 1-1 as in that case, the Pat Cummins-led side will qualify for the WTC final.

For Indians, in a nutshell: win the Sydney Test and pray for Sri Lanka’s 2-0 or 1-0 win over Australia.

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