WTC Final: South Africa secure the final berth; here's how India can qualify for the World Test Championship final

The first test between South Africa and Pakistan in SuperSport Park in Centurion has ended with a thrilling finish as the hosts held their nerves to edge past Pakistan. South Africa won the first game by just two wickets to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the series.

With this win, they have also made it into the final of the World Test Championship 2023-25. South Africa became the first team to make it to the WTC final, which is scheduled to take place at Lord's Cricket Stadium in June, 2025.

This was the special performance from the hosts as they were reduced to 99/8 while chasing 148 runs. Then Marco Jansen (16*) and Kagiso Rabada (31* off 26) added an unbeaten 51 off 50 balls for the ninth wicket to take South Africa home. This partnership also helped South Africa to book a WTC final berth, and only one spot is remaining.

WTC Final: South Africa confirmed their place, and here is how India can qualify for the final.

With one spot already booked, the fight for the second spot is WTC. Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are the front runners. Australia are second, while India and Sri Lanka are third and fourth on the WTC 2023-25 table. Hence, the result of the ongoing Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Stadium between India and Australia will make a big impact on the standings.

Going into the final day, both teams have a slight chance, with Australia holding an upper hand. But anything is possible in the final. Meanwhile, India and Australia are both eyeing a WTC final spot. India still have a chance to qualify, but their qualification depends on various scenarios, which we will discuss here below.

Scenario 1: India must win the remaining two tests at MCG and SCG to finish above Australia's NRR to qualify.

Scenario 2: If the MCG test ends in a draw, then India must win the fifth test. In that case, India should hope that Sri Lanka beat Australia in one of two tests at home.

Scenario 3: If the BGT series ends 1-1, India should pray that Sri Lanka win the series against Australia 1-0.

All these scenarios can help India finish above Australia on the final WTC standings. But if India lose even one game or lose the BGT series, they will be out of the race. So, India don't have any other option than winning.

Also Read: Top five highest totals chased down by India in Test cricket