WTC Finals Scenarios: India WTC Final Chances: India are looking at the possibly of a second straight final appearance in the World Test Championships. They are currently placed fourth on the table and need to climb up to the first or second spot to reach the finals, scheduled at Lord’s next year. An impressive series win over Bangladesh and Australia could play a long way in helping Rohit Sharma and co achieve their goal. Follow World Test Championships Live updates with InsideSport.IN
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Before the qualification cycle ends, India are set to face Bangladesh for two Test matches away and welcome Australia for a four-match Test series.
It is the performance in these last six games, which will determine India’s chance for the final. If Rohit Sharma’s men managed to win all their last matches in the remainder of the WTC cycle, their winning percentage will rocket to 68.06, which should be enough for them to reach the final. Their current percentage is 52.08.
Big Tests against Bangladesh and Australia: However, it is not going to be an easy take to reach 68. Bangladesh are a strong team at home, and can beat any team on a given Test. And history suggests Australia are a strong team in India as well. They do provide a stern challenge to India.
ICC WTC 2021-23 points table @ICC pic.twitter.com/8WijlsgKv7
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Also, Australia will face West Indies and South Africa before they travel to India. It makes the race for WTC final spot interesting. If Australia emerge victorious in both the series, and India also beat Bangladesh, India vs Australia four match series could determine where the two teams finish.
India vs Pakistan a possibility? There is a possibility of an India vs Pakistan final as well. For that to happen, other matches need to work in their favour. More importantly, South Africa, who lead the WTC table currently at 71.43, need to slip up badly to move down the order. Pakistan are currently fifth in the table.
Can South Africa slip? Though South Africa lead the table, it does not guarantee them a spot in the final. They have some tough series coming up in the remainder of the cycle. They face England and Australia away, their toughest tours, and will host West Indies at home. It just shows the competitive nature of WTC.
As for Sri Lanka, who are third on the table after their 1-1 draw against Pakistan recently, they have just one series left against New Zealand in tough Tests away from home. Another drawn series and their win percentage of 53.33 will see a drop, which does not help their case.
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