The third test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw as only 24.1 overs were possible on the final day before rain and poor light stopped the match. India’s openers faced just 2.1 overs before bad light ended the match. With the series tied, both teams now look ahead to an exciting Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
India must not lose either of the remaining two Tests on the Australia tour if they hope to reach the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final at Lord’s in 2025. India is allowed just one more draw in their upcoming matches. After the draw at the Gabba, they can earn 138 points and reach a PCT of 60.52% by winning the next two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney. This would keep them in the hunt for a spot in the WTC final.
Team India’s WTC final qualification scenario 🇮🇳📌
If they win the BGT 3-1, they go straight to the WTC final. 🏆👀#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/ZniFkZeX5w
— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) December 19, 2024
India can still surpass Australia with one win and one draw, provided Sri Lanka manages to earn at least one draw in their two home Tests against the Australia. If India draws with Australia 2-2, they will end up with 126 points and a PCT of 55.26. In this case, Australia can surpass India with at least one victory in Sri Lanka.
South Africa has the most direct path to the WTC final, needing just one victory from their final two matches against Pakistan to confirm their place.
South Africa will play two tests against Pakistan starting on 26 December, Thursday. While the fourth test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 will also start on 26 December at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Read more: India Survives Gabba Test as Rain Keeps Teams Level
Jasir Basharat is a cricket enthusiast capturing the heart of the game through insightful analysis and storytelling sharing his passion for the sport through engaging narratives. He is a business graduate from University of Kashmir.
