February 23, 2025

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South Africa Qualify for WTC Final: What India and Australia Must Do to Secure Their Spots

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South Africa Qualify for WTC Final: What India and Australia Must Do to Secure Their Spots
South Africa Qualify for WTC Final: What India and Australia Must Do to Secure Their Spots.[ Source: @mufaddal_vohra /X.com ]

South Africa Qualify for WTC Final: What India and Australia Must Do to Secure Their Spots

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, became the first team to qualify for the 2025 World Test Championship final. They won a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test of a two-match series. The Proteas chased down 148 on Day 4 in Centurion. Kagiso Rabada (31)* and Marco Jansen (16)* added 49 runs. Their unbeaten partnership sealed a spot in the June final at Lord’s.

This puts extra pressure on India and Australia. They are battling in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the Proteas securing their place, the remaining finalists will be determined based on the results of India’s and Australia’s remaining matches.

South Africa’s Road to Qualification

South Africa needed one win in their two Tests vs. Pakistan to reach the WTC final. Their narrow win in the first Test makes the second Test useless for their qualification. The Proteas lead the WTC standings with a 66.67 PCT. Australia and India are in a fierce battle for second place.

What India and Australia Need to Do

The qualification scenarios for India and Australia are complex. They depend on the results of the Melbourne Test and later matches. South Africa’s win rules out a repeat of the 2023 WTC final between India and Australia.

India’s Current Position

India’s points percentage (PCT) dropped from 57.29 to 55.88 following their drawn Test in Brisbane. They are currently third in the WTC standings, trailing South Africa and Australia. With one game left after the Melbourne Test, India have a narrow path to qualify.

Australia’s Current Position

Australia sit second in the standings with a PCT of 58.89. They have a better chance of qualifying. They have three matches left: one against India and two against Sri Lanka.

Key Scenarios for India and Australia

Scenario 1: If India Win the MCG Test But Lose the Series 2-2

  • India’s final PCT: 55.26

  • Australia can qualify by drawing their two matches against Sri Lanka or winning at least one.

Scenario 2: If India Draw the MCG Test and Win in Sydney

  • India’s final PCT: 57.01

  • Australia must then beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to qualify for the WTC final.

Scenario 3: If India Lose in Melbourne and Draw in Sydney

  • India’s final PCT: 53.50

  • Australia would surpass India by the end of the series.

Scenario 4: If India Draw Both Melbourne and Sydney Tests

  • India’s final PCT: 53.50

  • Australia will need to win at least one Test in Sri Lanka to qualify.

Updated WTC Standings

  1. South Africa (Q) – PCT 66.67

  2. Australia – PCT 58.89

  3. India – PCT 55.88

  4. New Zealand – PCT 48.21

  5. Sri Lanka – PCT 45.45

  6. England – PCT 43.18

  7. Pakistan – PCT 30.30

  8. Bangladesh – PCT 31.25

  9. West Indies – PCT 24.24

South Africa’s qualification for the WTC final has made the race for the second spot more intense. For India, the margin for error is minimal. Australia can still capitalize on their remaining games. The two matches in Melbourne and Sydney will decide the final standings.

All eyes are now on India and Australia to see who will join South Africa at Lord’s for the ultimate Test showdown.

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