Here’s how India can qualify for WTC final after South Africa confirm spot with win over Pakistan in Centurion

As the cricketing world turns its eyes to the final matches of the year Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2023-25the ranking of the Indian cricket team for the 2025 World Trials Championship (WTC) end in Lord’s remains at the edge of a knife. In particular, India they were already dealing with the heat after their disappointing defeat at home new zealandwhere they were whitewashed in a 3-test match series. In addition, they have not beaten Australia in the BGT, since after three tests and the fourth still in progress, the score is 1-1.

In addition, south africawho were already at the top of the WTC leaderboard after the shine against Sri Lankahave secured their place in the championship final after a thrilling win Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test at Centurion. This makes the battle for the WTC final even tougher for both India and Australia. In this note, we break down the scenarios that could lead India to the showdown.

The result in Melbourne will play a crucial role

If the Boxing Day Test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) ends in a draw, India’s journey to the finals at the WTC will not be easy. Such a result would mean the stakes for the upcoming New Year’s Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) would skyrocket, making it a do-or-die encounter for Rohit Sharma’s unit.

Will Sydney become a must-play?

The SCG Test becomes a must-win for India in the scenario where the MCG Test ends in a stalemate. A win in Sydney would keep India’s hopes alive, but it still wouldn’t be enough to guarantee their place in the finals; external results would come into play.

The role of Sri Lanka

For India to qualify without winning the series against Australia, they would need assistance from Sri Lanka. If the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series concludes at 1-1, India would need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in at least one of their next two-match series. However, historical data suggests that results in Galle, where these matches are scheduled, do not usually end in draws, making Sri Lanka’s 1-0 series win a difficult but not impossible scenario.

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final scenario

If India manage to get a win in Sydney after a draw in Melbourne, and if Australia fail to sweep Sri Lanka, India could still reach the final at Lord’s. Australia’s series with Sri Lanka is crucial; if Australia win both matches, India’s case for qualification would collapse. However, any other result, be it a win, a draw or a loss for Australia in this series, could open the door for India, assuming they get the required points from their series.

South Africa secured a place in the WTC finals

In addition, South Africa have already confirmed their place in the WTC final, becoming the first team to secure their place at the prestigious event at Lord’s. His consistent performance throughout the cycle has ensured that he will be one of the contenders for the championship title, setting the stage for an exciting clash with who is presented as his final rival.

Also READ: Fans go wild as South Africa beat Pakistan in thrilling Boxing Day Test to secure WTC final berth