An examination of India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championships final in the ongoing series against Australia.
India defeated Australia by six wickets on Sunday to move one step closer to securing their spot in the June 7 match at The Oval, giving the race to qualify for the ICC World Test Championship Final another boost.
The second Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy characterized the ebb and flow that has been present throughout the World Test Championship (WTC), with both teams wrestling for control of the match before Rohit Sharma’s teams prevailed on a dramatic day in Delhi.
The WTC has seen two years of intense competition in the longest format. According to a press release issued by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Despite the fact that the top two teams in the WTC standings will advance to the Final in June, the outcome still means that Australia and India will control their own fate as they approach the competition’s conclusion.
Despite the defeat, Australia remains in first place in the standings, with a percentage of 66.67%. India’s victory in Delhi increased the gap between them and third place to 64.06%.
India’s victory reduces the number of teams that can participate in the Final from four to three. Sri Lanka is the sole contender for a spot in the Final after South Africa fails to score the percentage points required to move into the top two.
Sri Lanka heads to New Zealand next month knowing that they must not only win both Tests in their two-match series to stand any chance of qualifying.
But they are also reliant on favorable results in the remaining Tests between India and Australia. Sri Lanka currently sits third in the standings with 53.33 percent.
The third Test between India and Australia begins on March 1 in Indore, and if the hosts win again, they will be guaranteed a spot at The Oval. Australia will become the first team to qualify for the WTC Final if nothing else happens.
The race to qualify, with so much at stake, promises to add tension and excitement before the top two teams compete on June 7 for the coveted ICC WTC Mace and a place in history.