WTC Final: South Africa’s thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in Centurion has confirmed their place in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final, while Australia’s dominant 184-run win over India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) has boosted their chances of clinching the second spot. However, India and Sri Lanka remain in contention with several scenarios in play.
Australia’s Road to Lord’s
Australia currently sits in a strong position, needing just one win from their remaining three matches to secure a spot in the WTC final at Lord’s. With a 2-1 lead in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India, Pat Cummins’ side will aim to seal their qualification in the upcoming New Year’s Test in Sydney.
A victory in Sydney would guarantee Australia’s place, regardless of their results in the two-match series against Sri Lanka later in the year. Even a draw in Sydney would leave the door open for Sri Lanka, who must then defeat Australia 2-0 in their home series to edge past them.
India’s Narrow Path
India’s qualification hopes hinge on winning the final Test in Sydney. A victory would elevate them to 55.26% on the points table, keeping them in contention, provided Australia doesn’t secure more than two draws in Sri Lanka.
However, a draw or loss in Sydney would eliminate India from the race, as they would fall short of Australia and Sri Lanka in percentage points.
Sri Lanka’s Outside Chance
Sri Lanka’s qualification scenario depends heavily on Australia and India’s performances. If the Sydney Test ends in a draw, Sri Lanka could qualify by defeating Australia 2-0 in their upcoming home series. A victory for India in Sydney, however, would automatically knock Sri Lanka out of contention.
South Africa Sets the Benchmark
South Africa became the first team to book their spot in the WTC final with their dramatic win against Pakistan. Chasing 148 in the fourth innings, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s crucial tenth-wicket partnership sealed the game, reminiscent of their heroics in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final.
With one Test remaining in their series against Pakistan, the Proteas have turned the final match in Cape Town into a formality.
New Zealand’s Hopes Dashed
New Zealand, the inaugural WTC champions, saw their chances crumble after back-to-back losses to England, compounded by a slow over-rate penalty. Despite a resounding victory in the final Test, the Black Caps have dropped to sixth in the standings and are out of contention.
What’s Next?
The WTC final promises to bring cricket’s finest to Lord’s next year, with South Africa waiting to see who will join them on the grand stage.
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