As the cricketing world turns its eyes towards the final matches of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023-25, the Indian cricket team’s qualification for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final at Lord’s remains on a knife-edge. Notably, India were already facing the heat following their disappointing home series loss against New Zealand, where they were whitewashed in a 3-Test match series. Further, they haven’t outperformed Australia in the BGT as after three Tests and fourth still in progress, the scoreline reads 1-1.
Further, South Africa, who were already on top of the WTC standings following brilliance against Sri Lanka, have secured their spot on the championship final after a thrilling win over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. This makes the battle for the WTC final even more difficult for both India and Australia. On that note, let’s have a breakdown of the scenarios that could see India through to the showdown.
Melbourne outcome will play a crucial role
Should the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) end in a draw, India’s journey to the WTC final will not be straightforward. This result would mean that the stakes for the upcoming New Year Test at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) would skyrocket, making it a do-or-die encounter for Rohit Sharma’s unit.
win–game“>Sydney to become a must-win game?
The SCG Test becomes a must-win for India under the scenario where the MCG Test ends in a stalemate. A victory in Sydney would keep India’s hopes alive, but it would still not be enough to guarantee their spot in the final; external results would come into play.
The role of Sri Lanka
For India to qualify without winning the series against Australia, they would require assistance from Sri Lanka. If the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series concludes with a 1-1 scoreline, India would need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in at least one of their upcoming two-match series. However, historical data suggests that outcomes in Galle, where these matches are scheduled, typically do not end in draws, making a 1-0 series win for Sri Lanka a challenging but not impossible scenario.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah scripts unique record after going past 200-wickets milestone in MCG Test
Final scenario
If India manage to secure a win in Sydney after a draw in Melbourne, and if Australia fails to sweep Sri Lanka, India could still make it to the final at Lord’s. Australia’s series with Sri Lanka is crucial; if Australia wins both matches, India’s case for qualification would collapse. However, any other result – be it a win, a draw, or a loss for Australia in that series – could potentially open the door for India, assuming they have secured the necessary points from their series.
South Africa secured spot in WTC final
Adding to the intrigue, South Africa have already confirmed their spot in the WTC final, making them the first team to secure their place at the prestigious event at Lord’s. Their consistent performance throughout the cycle has ensured they will be one of the contenders vying for the championship title, setting the stage for an exciting clash with whoever emerges as their final opponent.
Also READ: Fans go crazy as South Africa beat Pakistan in a thrilling Boxing Day Test to secure WTC final berth
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