WTC Final : As the cricketing world gears up for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final 2025, the race to secure the second spot in the coveted showdown intensifies. With South Africa already sealing their place after a dominant campaign, the spotlight is now on India, Australia, and Sri Lanka as they battle it out for the remaining berth. For India, the equation is challenging but not impossible.
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WTC Final : India’s Road to the WTC Final 2025: Qualification Scenarios Simplified
India’s Current Position in the WTC Table
India currently sits third in the WTC standings with a win percentage of 52.78%. A disappointing loss in the Boxing Day Test against Australia has left Rohit Sharma’s side in a do-or-die situation. To qualify for the final, India must rely not only on their performance but also on results from Sri Lanka’s upcoming series against Australia.
India’s Qualification Scenario for WTC Final 2025
- Win the Fifth Test Against Australia
The final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, scheduled to start on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), is a must-win for India. A victory here would help India secure crucial WTC points and keep their qualification hopes alive. - Sri Lanka Beats Australia 1-0 or 2-0
India’s fate is not entirely in their hands. Even if they win at SCG, they’ll need Sri Lanka to win their upcoming two-match Test series against Australia in Galle. Sri Lanka must secure a 2-0 clean sweep or at least a 1-0 series win to push Australia out of contention and allow India to grab the second spot.
Why the Sydney Test Matters
The SCG Test is not just another match – it’s India’s last opportunity to make a strong statement in the ongoing WTC cycle. A victory would:
- Boost India’s percentage in the WTC points table.
- Keep the pressure on Australia and ensure they don’t secure an unassailable second position.
- Build momentum for the team heading into the rest of 2025.
However, the challenge will be enormous, with Australia coming off a commanding victory in Melbourne. India will need their senior players, such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, to step up after a string of underwhelming performances.
Sri Lanka: India’s Unexpected Ally
While India focuses on winning at SCG, they’ll need to keep a close eye on Sri Lanka’s two match Test series against Australia, starting January 29, 2025, in Galle. Sri Lanka currently has a win percentage of 45.45% and slim qualification hopes themselves. For India to benefit, the following outcomes must occur:
- Sri Lanka must defeat Australia 2-0 to knock them out of the race entirely.
- A 1-0 series win for Sri Lanka could also work, as long as India wins in Sydney.
Sri Lanka’s spin friendly conditions could play a significant role in troubling the Australian batting lineup, and a few standout performances from players like Dimuth Karunaratne and Prabath Jayasuriya could tilt the series in their favor.
What Happens If India Falls Short?
Should India fail to win at SCG or if Sri Lanka doesn’t deliver the required results, Australia will secure their spot in the final alongside South Africa. This outcome would mean India misses out on the WTC final for the first time since the championship’s inception in 2021.
Australia’s Strong Position
Australia, currently second in the WTC standings with a win percentage of 61.46%, remains the favorite to secure the final spot. Having already clinched the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they’ll look to wrap up the series on a high at SCG. Even a drawn series against Sri Lanka could be enough for Australia to seal their place in the final.
Other Teams in the Race
While New Zealand and England had brief moments of hope, their chances have effectively ended following recent defeats. New Zealand, sitting fourth with a win percentage of 48.21%, is mathematically out of contention after a series loss to England. Similarly, England’s hopes were dashed after consecutive losses in Pakistan, leaving them with a win percentage of 43.18%.
Key Takeaways for India
For Indian fans dreaming of a WTC final appearance at Lord’s in June 2025, here’s the simple equation:
- Win in Sydney.
- Pray for a Sri Lankan miracle.
As tough as the road may seem, cricket has often thrown up surprises, and India will be hoping for one last twist in the WTC saga. With the talent and determination this team has shown in the past, there’s still reason to believe in the dream.
FAQs
What does India need to do to qualify for the WTC Final 2025?
India must win the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney and hope Sri Lanka defeats Australia 1-0 or 2-0 in their series
When is the fifth Test between India and Australia?
The fifth Test will begin on January 3, 2025, at the Sydney Cricket Ground
