India’s recent win over Australia in the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test match has taken them closer to the top spot in the ICC World Test Championship table. The win not only allowed India to retain the BGT but also registered their 100th win over Australia across formats in international men’s cricket. With their 10th win in 16 matches in the 2021-23 WTC cycle, India’s points percentage increased from 61.66 to 64.06.
,@mandhana_smriti Departs but not before he scores a well-deserved half-century! #TeamIndia 105/4 after 16 overs to chase.
Follow the match _ https://t.co/EvGQ5Eom80#t20worldcup , #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/bZTWhf1Uzx– BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) February 18, 2023
Meanwhile, Australia’s lead in the WTC table has reduced from 70.83 pct to 66.66. India now need to win at least one of the remaining two Tests to qualify for the WTC final. If India secures a 3–1 series win against Australia, it will end with a PCT of 61.92, which would be enough to qualify for the final with the Aussies, ahead of Sri Lanka’s best possible result (61.11) . Even if India manage to draw 2-2 with Australia, they will still go past South Africa’s best possible finish of 56.94 pct. However, this will be enough for India to qualify only if Sri Lanka drops points in the two-match series against New Zealand.
If India beat Australia 3-0 or 4-0, they will top the WTC table and will have a toss-up between Australia and Sri Lanka for the second spot. India’s best possible finish would be to beat Australia 4-0, ending with 147 points and a PCT of 67.43. On the other hand, their worst possible finish would be a 2–2 draw away to Australia, finishing with 131 points and a PCT of 56.94. If Australia fail to win or draw the next two Tests against India, it will open up a chance for Sri Lanka (53.33) to qualify for the final, provided they beat New Zealand 2–0 in their upcoming series .
Australia’s best possible finish would be to draw 2–2 with India, finishing with 144 points and a PCT of 63.15. Conversely, their worst possible finish would be a 4–0 loss to India, finishing with 136 points and a PCT of 59.6. Lastly, the race to the WTC Finals is getting intense, and every match will be crucial for the teams to secure their positions in the standings. The remaining two Tests between India and Australia and Sri Lanka’s upcoming series against New Zealand will determine the fate of the WTC finalists.