India’s WTC 2025 Final Chances: Winning Isn’t Enough
India’s path to the WTC 2025 Final is now complex. They lost the second Test and drew the rain-affected third Test against Australia. The series is tied 1-1. The Rohit Sharma-led side must win the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
To qualify directly for the final, India must win both the Boxing Day Test and the subsequent Test. If they fail to win both matches, they must rely on outside factors. They need the results of Sri Lanka’s and Pakistan’s series to have any chance of reaching the WTC Final.
Scenario 1: India Wins Both Remaining Tests
If India wins the last two Tests against Australia, they will be in the WTC 2025 Final, no matter what else happens. A 3-1 series win will raise India’s PCT above Australia’s. It will put India in the WTC table’s top two.
Scenario 2: India Loses or Draws One Test
If India loses or draws one of the last two matches, their qualification will depend on the results of other series.
1.Sri Lanka vs Australia
- Sri Lanka will host Australia for two Tests after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- For India to stay in contention, Sri Lanka must hand Australia a 2-0 defeat.
- If Australia manages even one win or a draw, they will surpass India on the WTC standings and advance to the final.
2.Pakistan vs South Africa
- South Africa, with a 63.33 PCT, tops the WTC table. A win in one of their two Tests against Pakistan will confirm their spot in the final.
- If Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, beats South Africa 2-0, India could qualify, if other results favor them.
How Pakistan Can Help India
In a twist, India’s arch-rivals, Pakistan, could help keep India’s WTC hopes alive.
- If Pakistan wins both Tests against South Africa, it will disrupt the Proteas’ WTC top ranking.
- With South Africa’s points percentage dropping, and Australia’s results against Sri Lanka still in question, India could benefit from this unexpected turn of events.
It may seem odd for Indian fans to rely on Pakistan. But, the cricketing dynamics make it a crucial factor.
Current WTC Standings (As of December 2024)
- South Africa: 63.33 PCT
- Australia: 58.89 PCT
- India: 55.88 PCT
India’s easiest path to the WTC 2025 Final is to win both remaining matches in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. If that doesn’t happen, their fate depends on two results. Sri Lanka must beat Australia 2-0. Pakistan must defeat South Africa 2-0.
The coming weeks will test India’s cricket skills and luck. Their WTC campaign hangs in the balance.
