The race for the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final is heating up, with South Africa already securing their place. While Australia, India, and Sri Lanka remain in contention for the second spot, a series of key matches will determine the ultimate showdown at Lord’s next June. Here’s the current state of play:
1st Place – South Africa (66.67% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Pakistan (home, one Test)
Best possible finish: 69.44%
South Africa became the first team to qualify for the WTC 2025 Final after a thrilling two-wicket victory over Pakistan in the first Test at SuperSport Park. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s all-round heroics ensured a nail-biting finish to chase 148 in the fourth innings.
The final Test of the series in Cape Town, beginning January 3, is now a formality for the Proteas as they prepare for the Lord’s showdown.
2nd Place – Australia (58.89% of possible points)
Remaining matches: India (home, two Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 67.54%
Australia sits second in the WTC standings, edging out India. Their fate hinges on the ongoing Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, which is currently poised for all four results. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tied at 1-1, a win against India will strengthen their chances of qualification.
In addition to the home series, Australia will travel to Sri Lanka in January for two crucial Tests. Even if Australia draws the current series against India 2-2, they would remain in contention for a spot in the final.
3rd Place – India (55.88% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Australia (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 60.53%
India’s path to a third consecutive WTC Final is more challenging. After a mixed campaign that included a 10-wicket loss to Australia and a draw in Brisbane, India needs to win both remaining Tests in Australia to ensure direct qualification.
Failing that, their chances will rely on other results, including Australia’s series against Sri Lanka. Despite setbacks, India remains a strong contender, with inspiring performances from their all-round lineup keeping them in the race.
4th Place – New Zealand (48.21% of possible points)
Remaining matches: None
Best possible finish: 48.21%
New Zealand’s slim hopes of making the WTC Final were dashed after consecutive losses to England and a penalty for slow over-rates. Despite a strong 423-run victory in their final Test against England, the Black Caps remain far from contention for the Lord’s Final.
5th Place – Sri Lanka (45.45% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Australia (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 53.85%
Sri Lanka’s hopes of making the WTC Final are hanging by a thread. A 2-0 series loss to South Africa dealt a severe blow to their campaign, leaving them dependent on a string of favorable outcomes. To have any chance, they must sweep Australia 2-0 in January while hoping for results elsewhere to align in their favor.
6th Place – England (43.18% of possible points)
Remaining matches: None
Best possible finish: 43.18%
England’s inconsistent performance in the WTC cycle ended their qualification hopes. A home series victory over New Zealand briefly reignited their campaign, but losses to Pakistan and a final 423-run defeat to New Zealand sealed their sixth-place finish.
7th Place – Bangladesh (31.25% of possible points)
Remaining matches: None
Best possible finish: 31.25%
Bangladesh had an underwhelming WTC cycle but showed flashes of promise, including a 3-0 series sweep of Pakistan. Their campaign ended on a high note with a 101-run win over the West Indies, giving them hope for a better showing in the next cycle.
8th Place – Pakistan (30.30% of possible points)
Remaining matches: South Africa (away, one Test), West Indies (home, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 45.24%
A loss to South Africa in the first Test of their current series further dented Pakistan’s already slim chances. They’ll face South Africa again in early January before hosting the West Indies, but even a clean sweep won’t secure them a spot in the Final.
9th Place – West Indies (24.24% of possible points)
Remaining matches: Pakistan (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 35.90%
Inconsistency continues to haunt the West Indies. Despite highlights like a memorable victory over Australia in Brisbane, batting collapses and poor execution have left them last in the standings. They’ll have one last chance to redeem themselves with a two-match series in Pakistan.
Key Matches to Watch
- Boxing Day Test: Australia vs. India (Final Day) – Dec 30
- Australia’s Tour of Sri Lanka: Jan 2025
- South Africa vs. Pakistan (Cape Town): Jan 3, 2025
Current Prediction for the Final
- Confirmed: South Africa
- Likely: Australia (if they win/draw series against India and perform well in Sri Lanka)
- Outsider Chance: India (needs back-to-back wins over Australia)
The stage is set for an exciting finish to the WTC 2025 cycle, with teams battling it out for the ultimate prize in Test cricket.
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