World Test Championship is a contest played between the test-playing nations and started back in the year 2019-2021, when ICC decided to start a championship for test-playing nations. Its aim is to keep people interested in the longest and original format of the game. It is a 2 year long cycle, where each team has to play 6 series, out of which 3 series are to be played at the home, and rest 3 series should be played away.
In the WTC 2023-2025, teams will get 12 points for a win, 4 for a draw, and 6 for a tie. Points percentage system (PCT) will be used to determine the leaderboard. PCT = Points won by a team / Points contested * 100.
Although there are a few questions as well regarding the WTC format and changes required, for instance – the number of test matches played by the teams, some teams like India, England, and Australia plays more tests than any other test-playing nations. While on the other hand, some teams only play 10-12 test matches in the cycle of 2 years.
The same questions were raised after the first WTC cycle, where New Zealand reached the final without playing any away test series. Number of matches to decide the champion in the final is also a concern for many teams.
This time South Africa’s big win against Sri Lanka (2-0 at home) has made the race for the WTC Final much smaller. Now, it’s mostly between three teams: South Africa, India, and Australia. The final match will happen at Lord’s next June. Here’s what the teams need to do to make it.
World Test Championship (2023-2025) – Points Table (as of Dec 9, 2024)
| Team | Mat | Won | Lost | Draw | Points | PCT |
| SA | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 76 | 63.33 |
| AUS | 14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 102 | 60.71 |
| IND | 16 | 9 | 6 | 1 | 110 | 57.29 |
| SL | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 60 | 45.45 |
| ENG | 21 | 11 | 9 | 1 | 114 | 45.24 |
| NZ | 13 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 69 | 44.23 |
| PAK | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 40 | 33.33 |
| BAN | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 45 | 31.25 |
| WI | 11 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 32 | 24.24 |
South Africa
South Africa is now at the top of the table with 63.33%. They turned things around with five wins in a row after starting slow. To make it to the final:
- One win against Pakistan: Guarantees a spot.
- Two wins against Pakistan: Likely to finish as table toppers.
- Lose both matches: They might miss the final if India or Australia do well.
Since South Africa has fewer matches compared to other teams, every win or loss changes their percentage more.
Australia
Australia was on top after their big win against England in Adelaide. But South Africa’s victory pushed them to second. To qualify:
- Win 2 out of 3 matches against India: This should secure their spot.
- Draw Border-Gavaskar series 2-2: They need at least one win against Sri Lanka.
- Lose 2-3 to India: They must win both matches against Sri Lanka to qualify.
If Australia performs well in Sri Lanka, they won’t have to depend on South Africa’s results.
India
India has had a tough time recently, with four losses in their last five games. They need to step up to secure a place in the final:
- Win 2 and draw 1 against Australia: This avoids depending on other results.
- Win Border-Gavaskar 2-1: Australia can still overtake them if they beat Sri Lanka 2-0.
- Series ends 2-2: India needs to hope Australia doesn’t win in Sri Lanka.
If India loses the series 1-3 or worse, they won’t make it to the final. A 3-2 loss might still work if South Africa loses both matches to Pakistan.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s chances dropped after losing to South Africa. They still have a slim shot if these things happen:
- Beat Australia 2-0 to finish with 53.85%.
- South Africa loses both matches to Pakistan and ends with 52.78%.
- Border-Gavaskar ends 2-1, and Australia and India both stay below 53.85%.
Which team will reach WTC finals 2025?
South Africa looks strong and there are high chances that they will reach the WTC finals 2025, but India and Australia are fighting hard to take the second spot. BGT’s remaining test games are crucial for India as their result will decide, which team will face South Africa in the finals. For Australia, they still have to play 2 tests against Sri Lanka as well.
Can South Africa stay on top, or will India or Australia surprise everyone?
Cricket is a game of unexpected outcomes, you never know which team and what day any team can outperform. For more updates, visit 96in.com, 96in com, 96in, 96in.com login, 96.in com, or download the 96in.com app.