WTC 2023-25: As the current World Test Championship (WTC) cycle approaches its climax with only 20 Tests remaining, five teams remain in contention for the final. Here’s a breakdown of each team’s qualification prospects.
The #WTC25 race is on after New Zealand, Pakistan achieve big wins in their respective Tests.
— ICC (@ICC) October 26, 2024
Full table ➡️ https://t.co/Q822q1TYKB pic.twitter.com/LhEywM1ztd
India: Holding Onto Hope
Current Percentage: 62.82%
Matches Remaining: 1 home Test against New Zealand and 5 away Tests against Australia
India faces a challenging path after two surprising defeats against New Zealand. To secure their place in the WTC final for a third consecutive time, they must win their final Test against New Zealand in Mumbai and then achieve a 3-2 series victory against Australia. This would elevate their percentage to 64.04%, assuming no penalties for slow over rates.
If India loses in Mumbai, they will require an impressive performance in Australia, needing four wins and a draw to stay competitive. Their fate also depends on the outcomes of New Zealand and Australia’s matches.
New Zealand: The Dark Horse
Current Percentage: 50.00%
Matches Remaining: 1 away Test against India and 3 home Tests against England
After unexpected successes in the current series against India, New Zealand remains in contention. Winning all four remaining Tests would boost their percentage to 64.29%, keeping their hopes alive. However, losing even one Test would reduce their percentage to 57.14%.
South Africa: Strong Contender
Current Percentage: 47.62%
Matches Remaining: 1 away Test against Bangladesh, 2 home Tests against Sri Lanka, and 2 home Tests against Pakistan
South Africa has a favorable schedule and can secure qualification by winning all five remaining Tests, bringing their percentage to 69.44%. Even with four wins and a draw, they could reach 63.89%, maintaining a chance for the final depending on other results.
Australia: Climbing the Ranks
Current Percentage: 62.50%
Matches Remaining: 5 home Tests against India and 2 away Tests against Sri Lanka
Australia’s chances improved following India’s defeats. A series win of 3-2 against India and a 1-0 victory in Sri Lanka would position them at 62.28%. To ensure qualification without relying on other teams’ performances, they need to win at least five of their remaining seven matches.
Sri Lanka: Making a Push
Current Percentage: 55.56%
Matches Remaining: 2 away Tests against South Africa and 2 home Tests against Australia
With a solid performance in their last two Tests, Sri Lanka is making a strong bid for the final. If they win all four remaining matches, they will reach 69.23%, guaranteeing a place in the final. Even three wins would keep them in contention, depending on other results.
England: Out of the Race
Current Percentage: 40.79%
Matches Remaining: 3 away Tests against New Zealand
After suffering defeats in Pakistan, England’s maximum percentage stands at 48.86%. Unfortunately, this won’t be enough for qualification.
Pakistan: Late Revival
Current Percentage: 33.33%
Matches Remaining: 2 away Tests against South Africa and 2 home Tests against West Indies
Despite showing some improvement at home, Pakistan’s chances of making the final are slim. Even winning all four remaining Tests would only take them to 52.38%.
Bangladesh: Struggling to Compete
Current Percentage: 30.56%
Matches Remaining: 1 home Test against South Africa and 2 away Tests against West Indies
Bangladesh has dropped significantly after three consecutive defeats. Winning all remaining matches would only improve their percentage to 47.92%, which isn’t enough for a top-two finish.
West Indies: Out of Contention
Current Percentage: 18.52%
Matches Remaining: 2 home Tests against Bangladesh and 2 away Tests against Pakistan
With only 20 points out of a possible 108, West Indies are already out of the race for the WTC final. Even winning their last four Tests would only raise their percentage to 43.59%.
