India has reignited their hopes of making it to the World Test Championship Final with a dominant win in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. After suffering a crushing 0-3 loss at home against New Zealand, which seemed to have derailed their chances, India’s dreams of a third consecutive appearance in the WTC Final are back on track.
Although much is still to be traversed, the Indian route to the final lies within their hands, as the possibilities depend on their performances in the upcoming series against Australia. Here’s an updated look at the qualification scenarios for the WTC Final, where South Africa, Sri Lanka, India, and Australia vie for the last two spots.
India’s Path To WTC Final – Qualification Scenario
If India wins 5-0, 4-0, or 3-0 against Australia
If any of these margins are covered in a series win, then it would guarantee India’s qualification to the WTC Final. The more dominating victory would ensure their entry into the final, thereby making them the first team to confirm their entry.
If India wins 3-1 against Australia
If India wins 3-1, they would be through, but the only catch is that South Africa should not win the 2nd Test against Sri Lanka It could get messy and maybe put India’s qualification into trouble if South Africa wins.
If India Wins 3-2 against Australia
A 3-2 series win for India would still keep their hopes alive, but it would require other results to fall in their favor. If Sri Lanka wants to qualify, they must win at least one Test against South Africa and draw at least one match against Australia. These results would keep the hope of making the final alive for India.
If India Draws 2-2 against Australia
The qualification of India is still feasible in a drawn series, but it would call for several effective favorable outcomes. South Africa has to beat Sri Lanka 2-0. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has to win at least one Test against Australia in their upcoming series. Moreover, Sri Lanka cannot afford a loss in the Australian series by 0-2 margins. This scenario lays out a slender but effective route for India.
The Role Of Adelaide Test
The Adelaide Test will be pivotal for both India and Australia. For India, their qualification chances depend on their own performance as well as the outcomes of Sri Lanka and South Africa’s matches. Australia, on the other hand, will be focused on maintaining their position, knowing that every point is critical in securing their spot in the final.
South Africa & Sri Lanka Top Contenders In WTC Final Race
While India and Australia eye for the top spot, South Africa and Sri Lanka also play a significant part in determining the WTC final contenders. Sri Lanka specifically needs to win some crunch matches against South Africa and Australia to make India qualify easily.
As the WTC cycle moves on, it is seen that the Adelaide Test would be a turning point where India would look to claim maximum points and Australia will try to gather back the momentum.
