The ICC World Test Championship (WTC) race has indeed heated up, with South Africa’s decisive 109-run win over Sri Lanka in Gqeberha propelling them to the top of the points table. This victory not only sealed a 2-0 series sweep but also boosted South Africa’s percentage points to 63.33%, edging out Australia (60.71%) and India (57.29%), who sit second and third, respectively. Sri Lanka follows in fourth with 45.45%.

This development underscores the competitiveness of the WTC cycle. South Africa’s rise came after Australia’s brief reign at the top, earned through a resounding 10-wicket victory over India in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. With key series yet to unfold, the race for a spot in the WTC Final promises more dramatic shifts.

WTC Final Qualification Scenarios: Here’s How Team India Can Reach World Test Championship 2023-25 Final

The qualification race for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final is heating up, with India among the top contenders. Here’s an in-depth look at how India and other teams could make it to the final at Lord’s:

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India’s Scenarios

India, currently third in the WTC standings with a Points Percentage (PCT) of 57.29%, has three matches left against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT). Here’s how they can qualify:

1. Winning Two Matches and Drawing One: This result guarantees India’s place in the final regardless of other outcomes.
2. If India Loses the Series 3-2:
   • South Africa must lose both remaining matches against Pakistan.
   • Australia should not win both their matches against Sri Lanka​

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South Africa

South Africa leads the table with a PCT of 63.33%. They have two matches left against Pakistan:

• One Win Needed: A single win ensures their qualification.
• If They Lose 0-1: This opens the door for both India and Australia to surpass them​.

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Australia

Australia, with a PCT of 60.71%, has the following paths:

• Win Two Matches vs India: This secures their place, even if they lose 2-0 to Sri Lanka.
• If They Lose the Series to India 3-2: They must win both matches against Sri Lanka to qualify​.

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Other Teams

1. Sri Lanka: Mathematically in contention but would need a flawless performance and favorable results elsewhere.
2. Pakistan: Still in the race but require improbable results to qualify​.

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Remaining Matches:

• India vs Australia (Three Tests remaining in the BGT 2024-25 series)​.
• South Africa vs Pakistan (Two Tests remaining in South Africa).
• Australia vs Sri Lanka (Two Tests in Sri Lanka).

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Summary

For India, consistency in the remaining BGT matches is key to securing a spot without depending on other teams’ results. South Africa and Australia remain strong contenders, while Sri Lanka and Pakistan face slim mathematical possibilities