Image source: India TV WTC Final Qualification: What does Team India need to seal WTC Final berth with an eye on Bangladesh series?
The Indian cricket team is all set to take on Bangladesh in the two-match Test series starting in Chittagong on Wednesday (December 14) as both the camps entered the series with different aspirations. For the hosts, it will be a shot at the history books if they can register a win against India in the red-ball format, while India will have nothing in sight except a World Test Championship (WTC) final berth . Face an intense battle with sides from all over the world.
What does India need to do to seal WTC final qualification?
India are currently fourth in the WTC standings with a 52.08 win percentage tally (WPT) and still have six matches to play in the current WTC cycle.
India will have to win at least 5 out of 6 Tests That is, 2 against Bangladesh at home and 4 against Australia.
If India wins all 6: His win would increase his WPT to 68.06 – which would ensure India a place in the final
If India wins 5-1: India’s WPT would be 62.5, which would still ensure a final entry for India and an exit for second-placed South Africa.
If India loses 2 out of 6 Tests: It would be unlikely that India would qualify for the WTC final
Image source: ICC website screengrabWTC Standings
Can Bangladesh burst India’s bubble?
While Team India’s preparations against Bangladesh are in full swing, Team India will know that any slip-up could cost them a spot in the WTC final. Hosts Bangladesh beat New Zealand at their home earlier in 2022 and hence will be confident of doing better against India. If he can cause any disturbance in the Indian team, it could be the end of the road for India in the WTC final race.
India’s record against Bangladesh
As it stands, the Indian team has won nine out of 11 matches it has played in the backyard of its subcontinent neighbours. Keeping Bangladesh at bay, the remaining two matches have ended in a stalemate. Till now he has never defeated the Indian team in Test format. When it comes to fixtures on Bangladesh soil, India have again shown their dominance in one-on-one affairs, winning six out of eight matches.
