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The race for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final has intensified after the rain-marred third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 ended in a draw. With the series tied 1-1 after three matches, India’s hopes of securing a spot in the final now rest on the outcomes of the last two Tests and several other results in the ongoing WTC cycle.
India, once comfortably placed at the top of the WTC table after a 2-0 home series win against Bangladesh, now faces an uphill task due to their subsequent 0-3 whitewash in New Zealand. To make the final, India must win the remaining Tests or rely on external results if the series ends in a draw.
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What Happens if the BGT Ends in a Draw?
Scenario 1: 2-2 Series Scoreline
- Result: Both India and Australia win one game each in the final two Tests.
- India’s PCT: 55.26% (Percentage of points contested).
- Dependence:
- Australia: Must lose their series against Sri Lanka 0-2.
- Pakistan: Must defeat South Africa 2-0.
- Outcome: India qualifies if both conditions are met.
Scenario 2: 1-1 Series Scoreline
- Result: Both remaining Tests end in draws.
- India’s PCT: 53.51%.
- Dependence:
- South Africa: Must lose both matches to Pakistan.
- Australia: Must lose their series against Sri Lanka 0-1 or draw 0-0.
- Risk Factor: A 2-0 victory for Sri Lanka against Australia would push Sri Lanka past India’s PCT, knocking India out of the race.
Updated WTC Points Table (As of Now)
| Position | Team | Played | Won | Lost | Draw | Penalty | Points | PCT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 76 | 63.33% |
| 2 | Australia | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 10 | 106 | 58.89% |
| 3 | India | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 114 | 55.88% |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 3 | 81 | 48.21% |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 60 | 45.45% |
| 6 | England | 22 | 11 | 10 | 1 | 22 | 114 | 43.18% |
| 7 | Pakistan | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 8 | 40 | 33.33% |
| 8 | Bangladesh | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 45 | 31.15% |
| 9 | West Indies | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 24.24% |
India’s Remaining Fixtures in the WTC 2023-25 Cycle
- 4th Test: Melbourne, December 26-30, 2024.
- 5th Test: Sydney, January 3-7, 2025.
India must bring their A-game in these final Tests to control their destiny in the WTC race. However, if the BGT ends in a draw, their qualification will hinge on the results of other key series involving South Africa, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Australia.
