South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, has officially qualified for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final, which will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London in June 2025. South Africa secured their spot by defeating Pakistan in the first Test of a two-match series by two wickets at Centurion. Chasing 148 runs, South Africa was in trouble at 99/8, but Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) held their nerves to take their team across the finish line on Day 4.
Heading into the series, South Africa needed to win just one Test to confirm their qualification for WTC, and they achieved that in the opening game. As a result, the outcome of the second Test against Pakistan is irrelevant to their standings. South Africa is currently at the top of the WTC table, putting pressure on India and Australia, who are now contending for the remaining spot in the final.
India vs. Australia: WTC Final Scenarios
India and Australia are battling it out in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Both teams need favourable results to secure the second spot in the WTC final. Here’s how the scenarios play out:
- If India wins the Melbourne Test but loses the Sydney Test (2-2 series result):
- India will finish with 126 points and a 55.26 percentage (PCT).
- Australia can overtake India with two draws or at least one win in their two matches against Sri Lanka.
- If India draws in Melbourne and wins in Sydney:
- India will finish with 130 points and a 57.01 PCT.
- Australia must win both games against Sri Lanka to qualify.
- If India loses in Melbourne but salvages a draw in Sydney:
- India ends with 118 points, making it easier for Australia to overtake with wins in Sri Lanka.
- If India draws both Melbourne and Sydney Tests:
- India finishes with 122 points and a 53.50 PCT.
- Australia will need to win at least one game against Sri Lanka to qualify.
The results of the two teams in Melbourne and Sydney, along with Australia’s games against Sri Lanka, will ultimately decide the second finalist.
Current WTC standings:
South Africa (Q) (PCT 66.67)
Australia (PCT 58.89)
India (PCT 55.88)
New Zealand (PCT 48.21)
Sri Lanka (PCT 45.45)
England (PCT 43.18)
Pakistan (PCT 30.30)
Bangladesh (PCT 31.25)
West Indies (PCT 24.24)
