WTC final scenarios after massive changes caused in the WTC standings; strong fight between India, Australia, and South Africa for the two final spots
The WTC standings saw a major change in the rankings after the dramatic Adelaide win of Australia over the visitors, India, who didn’t seem very confident facing the pink ball, as even their skipper admitted to not having batted well.
On the other hand, a simultaneous series held between South Africa and visitors Sri Lanka is at its all-time high, with the Proteas looking strong to make another major shift in the points table with a win in the ongoing second test at Gqeberha.
With teams like England, Pakistan, and New Zealand ruled out of contention for any further chances for qualification despite all-win situations, only the top four teams are left with scanty to large chances for qualification.
Let’s take a good look at the WTC final qualification scenarios for the franchises:
India
The table toppers for the last three editions of the WTC have slipped down to the lowest ever in their WTC history. India has never left the top two spots since 2019 when the first WTC cycle began; however, after the pink-ball test loss, they now stand at an all-time low at the no. 3 position behind the Aussies and Proteas.
India is left with 3 matches in the WTC campaign, which will be played against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and now the Indian side needs to manage 2 wins and a draw to make their way through to the finals.
No. of wins needed from remaining matches: 2 wins and a draw
Australia
The current table toppers also do not look very firm at the top, as South Africa, with a dominating victory, can take the position of the table toppers as a fight ensues for the two final spots in the WTC.
However, as of now, for the defending champions and to the joy of Pat Cummins, Australia needs to win only 3 of their remaining test matches, which are scheduled in this WTC.
3 matches to be played in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India
2 matches to be played against Sri Lanka
With a three-match home advantage, the Australians can fancy their chances to win at least 2 games and retain themselves at the top, as any further wins for India already eradicate their qualification chances, which makes the Aussies the second favorite.
South Africa
The Proteas have always been drafted as one of the greatest teams to have played the longest format of the game; however, their record has never been great since the WTC began.
This time around, however, Temba Bavuma has turned the tables for the Proteas, as they are the likely team to fancy their chances most in the WTC final, playing all their remaining tests at home.
South Africa will play their last match against Sri Lanka with a decider awaited today, while their next two matches come under home conditions against Pakistan, a not-so-confident side this WTC.
With a 2-win situation in the remaining games at home, South Africa currently looks like the most dominant side for one of the spots in the WTC final.
Sri Lanka
The Lankans are undoubtedly one of the teams in the WTC that have posed a major threat to many teams like New Zealand and England under both home and away conditions.
With still slim chances of a win remaining against the Proteas in the second test, they can turn the tables to their end and play their remaining home tests against Australia with huge confidence.
Sri Lanka has a stunning home record this WTC, and hence they impose a serious threat to the Aussies, as Sri Lanka is in an all-win situation to make their WTC chances assured for the first time.
The likes of England, Pakistan, New Zealand, the West Indies, and Bangladesh have been officially knocked off any further chances for qualification into the WTC finals of 2023/25 to be played at The Lord’s.
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