Can India Still Qualify to the WTC 2025 Final? Scenarios After the Boxing Day Loss Explained!

India’s hopes of making it to the World Test Championship (WTC) final have taken a big hit after their 184-run defeat against Australia in the Boxing Day Test. This loss dropped India’s points percentage (PCT) from 55.89 to 52.77, pushing them down to third place in the standings. So far, India has played 18 matches in the 2023-25 WTC cycle, winning 9, losing 7, and drawing 2, totaling 114 points.

The moment they sealed it 🙌#WTC25 | #AUSvIND: https://t.co/66Tuk2oTvf pic.twitter.com/pxxjdCjMUT

— ICC (@ICC) December 30, 2024

On the other hand, Australia’s win in Melbourne, their 10th in this WTC cycle, improved their PCT from 58.89 to 61.45, giving them a better chance of reaching their second consecutive WTC final.

Meanwhile, South Africa has already secured their spot in the WTC final, scheduled at Lord’s in June 2025. They confirmed their qualificatiitster defeating Pakistan in the firsfor June 2025 at Lord’s. The team confirmed its

With just one match left in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India risks being knocked out of the WTC final race if they fail to win the final Test in Sydney.

World Test Championship 2023-25 – Points Table

(As of Dec 31, 2024)

What Does India Need to Do to Qualify for the WTC Final?

After the Boxing Day loss, India’s fate is no longer in their hands. Their chances now depend on the outcome of the final Test in Sydney and other results.

India must win the Sydney Test to keep their chances alive. If they level the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-2, they will then need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia 2-0 or 1-0 in their upcoming series. This scenario would increase India’s PCT to 55.26 while reducing Australia’s PCT to 54.26, allowing India to move ahead.

However, if Australia manages to draw even one game against Sri Lanka, their PCT would stay higher than India’s, eliminating India from the race.

If India loses or draws the final Test in Sydney, their chances of making it to the WTC final will be over.

FAQs

Q: What was the result of the Boxing Day Test between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Australia defeated India by 184 runs in the Boxing Day Test, reducing India’s PCT to 52.77 and placing them third in the WTC standings.

Q: What does India need to do to qualify for the WTC final?
India must win the Sydney Test and rely on Sri Lanka to win 2-0 against Australia to surpass Australia’s PCT.

Q: How did the Boxing Day Test loss impact India’s WTC standings?
India’s loss dropped their PCT from 55.89 to 52.77, leaving their qualification chances out of their direct control.

Q: Which teams are currently in strong contention for the WTC final?
South Africa has already qualified, and Australia holds a strong position with a PCT of 61.45 after their Melbourne win.

Q: What happens if India loses or draws the Sydney Test?
If India loses or draws in Sydney, they will be eliminated from the WTC final race regardless of other results.

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