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On Sunday, December 29, South Africa achieved a historic milestone, becoming the first team to qualify for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. The Proteas secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test of their two-match series, booking their place at the iconic Lord’s Stadium for the final, scheduled from June 11 to 15, 2025.
While South Africa’s qualification brings joy for their fans, it intensifies the battle for the second spot, with India and Australia locked in a tight race. Let’s dive into the details and analyze India’s path to the WTC final.
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Pakistan vs South Africa Match Recap
The match at Karachi unfolded dramatically, with both teams showcasing remarkable resilience:
- First Innings:
- Pakistan were bundled out for 211, thanks to Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson’s fiery spells.
- South Africa responded with 301, gaining a crucial 90-run lead.
- Second Innings:
- Pakistan managed 237, setting a target of just 148 for the Proteas.
- South Africa faltered early, ending Day 3 at 27/3.
- Day 4 Heroics:
- Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma steadied the innings before a collapse left South Africa at 98/8.
- Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen delivered under immense pressure, sealing a dramatic two-wicket win for the Proteas.
This victory catapulted South Africa to the top of the WTC standings, guaranteeing their spot in the final.
How Can India Qualify for the WTC Final?
South Africa’s qualification narrows the race for the second spot, making every match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia pivotal. Here’s how India can secure a place in the final:
- India Wins Both Remaining Tests Against Australia
- India will automatically qualify if they secure victories in both Tests (Perth and Sydney).
- India Wins One Test, Draws the Other
- In this scenario, India would need Sri Lanka to hold Australia to at least one draw in their upcoming two-match series.
- India Draws Both Tests
- For India to qualify, Sri Lanka must win at least one Test against Australia in their series.
- India Loses the Series Against Australia
- If India loses either of the remaining Tests, their qualification hopes are over.
Current WTC Standings and Impact of Results
- India’s points percentage dropped from 57.29 to 55.88 after the draw in Brisbane.
- With Australia ahead of India in the standings, the Perth and Sydney Tests are now must-win encounters for Rohit Sharma’s side.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
As the cricketing world gears up for the 2025 WTC final at Lord’s, India faces a daunting challenge. A mix of tactical brilliance and unwavering resilience will be essential if they are to overcome Australia and keep their WTC hopes alive.
With the spotlight firmly on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, cricket fans can expect edge-of-the-seat action in the coming weeks. Can India defy the odds and join South Africa at Lord’s? Only time will tell.
