Image Credit: BCCI
Scenarios For WTC 2025 Qualification After India’s Series Whitewash Defeat to New Zealand
As of November 3, 2024, the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle is intensifying, with teams vying for a spot in the final scheduled for June 2025. The recent 3-0 series defeat of India by New Zealand has significantly impacted the standings and qualification scenarios.
Current WTC Standings (as of November 3, 2024):
| Position | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | Points Percentage (PCT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50% |
| 2 | India | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 98 | 58.33% |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56% |
| 4 | South Africa | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 47.62% |
| 5 | New Zealand | 10 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 60 | 50.00% |
| 6 | England | 19 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 93 | 40.79% |
| 7 | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 40 | 33.33% |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 33 | 30.56% |
| 9 | West Indies | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52% |
Team Scenarios:
- Australia:
- Remaining Matches: Five-Test home series against India (November 22, 2024 – January 7, 2025).
- Qualification Path: Winning at least three out of five Tests against India would likely secure their spot in the final.
- India:
- Remaining Matches: Five-Test away series in Australia.
- Qualification Path: To ensure a place in the final, India needs to win at least four out of five Tests in Australia.
- Sri Lanka:
- Remaining Matches: Two-Test away series in South Africa (November 27 – December 9, 2024) and a two-Test home series against Australia (dates to be confirmed).
- Qualification Path: Winning three out of four remaining Tests would strengthen their chances for the final.
- South Africa:
- Remaining Matches: Two-Test home series against Sri Lanka and a two-Test home series against Pakistan (January 16 – 28, 2025).
- Qualification Path: Securing victories in at least three out of four remaining Tests is crucial for their qualification hopes.
- England:
- Remaining Matches: Three-Test away series in New Zealand (November 28 – December 18, 2024).
- Qualification Path: A clean sweep in New Zealand is essential to stay in contention for the final.
- Pakistan:
- Remaining Matches: Two-Test away series in South Africa.
- Qualification Path: Winning both Tests in South Africa is necessary to keep their slim chances alive.
- New Zealand:
- Remaining Matches: Three-Test home series against England.
- Qualification Path: A series win against England would boost their standings, but they would also rely on other results to go in their favor.
- Bangladesh:
- Remaining Matches: No remaining matches in this WTC cycle.
- Qualification Path: Eliminated from contention for the final.
- West Indies:
- Remaining Matches: No remaining matches in this WTC cycle.
- Qualification Path: Eliminated from contention for the final.
Key Upcoming Series:
- India vs. Australia: A five-match series starting November 22, 2024, crucial for both teams’ qualification hopes.
- Sri Lanka vs. South Africa: A two-match series where both teams will vie to improve their standings.
- New Zealand vs. England: A three-match series that could be decisive for both teams’ chances.
The race to the WTC final is intensifying, with each match playing a pivotal role in determining the finalists. Teams must capitalize on their remaining fixtures to secure a spot in the coveted final at Lord’s in June 2025.
