World Test Championship Final: THIS Is How India Can Join South Africa Despite Melbourne Loss

Mon Dec 30 12:51:15 IST 2024

When India had Australia on the ropes at 91/6 on the fourth day of the Melbourne Test, it seemed they could make a match of it. When they were 121/3 chasing 340 in the final session, it appeared they would manage a draw. None of those things happened as the Aussies crushed them by 184 runs with less than 12 overs left in the day. Australia lead 2-1 and the Sydney Test starts on January 3. A win or a draw will mean Australia shall beat India for the first time in a Test series since 2014-15.

Just the previous day, South Africa’s epic two-wicket win over Pakistan in the first Test sealed their spot in the World Test Championship Final at Lord’s that starts on June 11. But believe it or not, despite the Melbourne loss, India still have a chance of joining South Africa in the summit clash. It is not impossible, but will be very difficult.

Firstly, India need to win in Sydney. A draw or a loss ends their race for the WTC Final spot. Should they win, then they will need Sri Lanla to beat Australia 2-0 on home soil. If both these things happen, India will make it.

Currently South Africa are in the top position on the WTC rankings with a PCT of 66.67. Australia are second with 62.11 and India are third with 52.77. One spot is left and India, Australia and Sri Lanka are in contention. If India lose or draw in Sydney, it becomes a two-way race between Australia and Sri Lanka.

Australia are the defending champions, having won the WTC Final in 2023. They beat India on that occasion. India also played the first-ever WTC Final in 2021 but lost to New Zealand. The WTC Final will be South Africa’s second ICC title clash in the span of one year, having played the T20 World Cup final in 2024. When they play in 2025, they will look to end a 27-year ICC title drought.

At one point it seemed that it would be an India vs Australia final. But India’s 3-0 home whitewash at the hands of New Zealand changed all the equations. South Africa’s good form in recent months helped them climb to the top and seal a place. Now it remains to be seen if India can win in Sydney. After that, their fate is in the hands of Sri Lanka and Australia.