WTC 2023/25 qualification scenarios: How can India reach the final after losing in Melbourne?
WTC 2023/25 qualification scenarios: How can India reach the final after losing in Melbourne?
India lost the fourth Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test by 184 runs in Melbourne on Monday and suffered another major stumble in its bid to make the final of the World Test Championship 2023/25 (WTC).
Australia and India stayed second and third, respectively, in the WTC standings after the fourth Test. India plays its last match in this cycle next week, while Australia has two more after that against Sri Lanka.
On Sunday, South Africa became the first side to book a spot for the title clash next year.
India heads into the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground with its back against the wall. Its fate is no longer in its hands.
India needs to win the Sydney Test in order to keep its hopes alive. If India wins and levels the series 2-2, it will need Sri Lanka to win 2-0 over Australia in its upcoming series.
In this case, India’s win percentage would reach 55.26, while Australia’s will stand at 54.26. Even if Australia manages to draw one match, it could end with a win percentage of 56.48.
A series defeat here will mean India will be knocked out of the race for the final.
