Sun Oct 27 12:00:25 UTC 2024: ## India’s WTC Final Hopes Dwindle After Consecutive Losses to New Zealand

**New Delhi:** India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time have suffered a major blow after two consecutive losses to New Zealand at home. The Indian team, which previously reached the final in 2021 and 2023, now faces an uphill battle to qualify.

After losing to New Zealand in both Bengaluru and Pune, India has slipped to second place in the WTC 2023-25 points table, behind Australia. India’s points percentage has dropped significantly from 74.24 to 62.82, leaving them only 0.32 points ahead of Australia.

To qualify for the final, India needs to win at least four out of their remaining six matches. The challenge is magnified by the fact that five out of those six matches will be played against Australia in Australia.

**Other Teams’ Chances:**

* **Australia:** The reigning champions are strong contenders to reach the final. They need to win four out of their remaining seven matches, including five against India.
* **Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka has a chance if they can win at least three of their remaining four matches. However, they need India to drop points as well.
* **South Africa:** They are closest to overtaking India and need to win the upcoming two-match series against Bangladesh. If successful, they have a good chance to qualify with four wins from their remaining five matches.
* **New Zealand:** New Zealand’s chances have diminished after a 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka. They need to win all their remaining four matches, including one against India.
* **Bangladesh, England, Pakistan, and West Indies:** These teams need a miracle to reach the final. Each needs to win all their remaining matches and hope for substantial losses from the top teams in the table.

The WTC final is scheduled for June 11-15, 2024, at Lord’s, with a reserve day on June 16.

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