A hesitant capitulation by the Indian team, particularly its batters, contributed to Australia’s dominant 10-wicket victory in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. Riding high from their triumph in the series opener in Perth, Team India reached a low point in the day-night encounter against the Australians, with the match concluding in just over two days—within seven sessions. This commanding win allowed Australia to equalize the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at 1-1.
How can India secure a spot in the WTC final?
The current Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia is level at 1-1, with three matches remaining. For India to secure direct qualification, they must win the remaining fixtures and seal the series 4-1 against Australia. Should India fail to achieve this outcome, their qualification will hinge on the result of the upcoming South Africa vs. Pakistan Test series later this month.
India’s pursuit of qualification for the WTC 2025 final has reached a pivotal stage. With three matches left in the current cycle, Rohit Sharma and his team require dominant performances to guarantee their spot without depending on external outcomes. Below is an analysis of the scenarios that will determine India’s future.
1. Winning 3-2 Against Australia
If India secures an impressive 3-2 series win over Australia, they will accumulate 146 points, with a PCT of 64.05. This substantial total ensures that Australia cannot surpass India, thereby cementing their place in the WTC final. However, accomplishing this will demand that India perform at their highest level in challenging Australian conditions.
2. Winning 3-1 Against Australia
A 3-1 series victory would leave India with 138 points and a PCT of 60.52. In this scenario, Australia’s highest achievable PCT would fall to 57, even if they win their remaining matches against Sri Lanka. This outcome would not only guarantee India’s qualification for the final but also effectively eliminate Australia from contention.
3. Drawing 2-2 Against Australia
A 2-2 series draw would be disadvantageous for India, as they would conclude with 126 points and a PCT of 57.01. In contrast, Australia, by winning their remaining matches against Sri Lanka, could accumulate 130 points, surpassing India in the standings. This result would effectively eliminate India from the race for the final.
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Can South Africa make it to the final?
However, South Africa may have inadvertently aided India’s cause. Their victory has placed Sri Lanka on the verge of elimination from the final race. India’s points percentage dropped from 61.11 to 57.29, causing them to fall out of the top two. Nevertheless, India remains focused on securing their third consecutive WTC final appearance. Meanwhile, South Africa has mounted a strong challenge, vying for their first-ever entry into the ICC’s red-ball event.
Meanwhile, South Africa currently leads the standings with a points percentage of 63.33. The Proteas must win their next two Tests against Pakistan to secure a spot in the final of the 2023-25 WTC cycle. A 1-0 series victory over Pakistan will guarantee their qualification, while a 2-0 result would further strengthen their position.
How can Australia secure a spot in the WTC final?
Australia currently sits at the top of the WTC points table with a 60.71% points percentage, bolstered by their authoritative display in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A victory in five of their remaining six matches would secure their place in the final.
Read more: Rohit Sharma Under Fire From Ex-Indian Cricketers After Poor Adelaide Show
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.
