WTC 2023-25: India’s qualification chances for WTC final after defeat to Australia in 4th Test in Melbourne

How can India qualify for WTC final after Boxing Day Test defeat?. (Photo Source: BCCI)

India’s 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test in Melbourne has left their World Test Championship (WTC) 2023/25 final hopes hanging by a thread. With South Africa already securing a spot in the title clash, the race for the second spot has intensified between Australia and India, and the latter’s fate is now out of their hands.

India are third in the WTC standings with a PCT of 52.78 after the loss while Australia are second spot with 61.46%. India play their final match of this cycle at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 3, 2025, while Australia have two remaining matches against Sri Lanka.

To keep their chances alive, the Rohit Sharma-led side must win the Sydney Test, leveling the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at 2-2. This result would bring their win percentage to 55.26. However, even a victory in Sydney would not guarantee qualification unless Sri Lanka defeats Australia 2-0 or 1-0 in their upcoming series. If Australia win or draw either match against Sri Lanka, they will remain ahead of India in the standings.

A loss or draw in Sydney will eliminate India from contention. If Australia wins the series 3-1, their win percentage would rise to 63.73, while India would drop to 50.00%, effectively ending their WTC campaign. Even a drawn series (2-2) without Sri Lanka’s intervention would see India miss out.

Also Read: Australia thump India in fourth Test to take 2-1 lead in series

India’s path to the WTC final was spoilt after starting with their 3-0 home series loss to New Zealand. Despite a strong start in Australia with a 295-run win in Perth, subsequent defeats and missed opportunities, including a draw at the Gabba, have derailed their campaign. The recent loss in Melbourne has added to their existing woes.

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