South Africa Secures WTC 2025 Final Spot: What India and Australia Must Do Next?

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, has booked their place in the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final. They secured the spot after defeating Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series by two wickets. Chasing a target of 148, South Africa found themselves in trouble at 99/8. However, Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) steadied the innings and took the team to victory on Day 4 at Centurion.

Heading into the series, South Africa needed just one win to confirm their spot in the WTC final, and they managed to achieve it in the first Test itself. The outcome of the second Test against Pakistan will not affect their qualification. South Africa currently leads the WTC standings, which has increased the pressure on India and Australia as they fight for the remaining spot in the final.

World Test Championship 2023-25 – Points Table

(As of Dec 30, 2024)

What India and Australia Must Do?

India’s points percentage dropped from 57.29 to 55.88 after a drawn Test in Brisbane. They are now third in the WTC standings, behind South Africa and Australia.

In second place, Australia is eight points ahead of India and has three matches left: one against India and two against Sri Lanka. India, on the other hand, has only one match remaining after the ongoing Melbourne Test.

The remaining matches between India and Australia in Melbourne and Sydney are crucial as they compete for 228 points.

Qualification Scenarios for India and Australia

If India Wins in Melbourne, but the Series Ends 2-2-

• India will finish with 126 points and a 55.26 PCT.
• Australia can still qualify with two draws or at least one win in their series against Sri Lanka.

If India Draws in Melbourne and Wins in Sydney-

• India will end the cycle with 130 points and a 57.01 PCT.
• Australia will need to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to secure their spot in the final.

If India Loses in Melbourne but Draws in Sydney-

• India will finish with 118 points.
• Australia will have already surpassed this by the end of their series.

If India Draws Both Melbourne and Sydney Matches-

• India will end with 122 points and a 53.50 PCT.
• Australia will need at least one win in their two matches against Sri Lanka to overtake India and qualify.

With South Africa confirmed for the WTC final, the focus now shifts to India and Australia, battling for the remaining spot. Their performances in the upcoming matches will determine who will join the Proteas at Lord’s in June 2025.

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