Sun Oct 27 10:19:00 UTC 2024: ## India’s World Test Championship Hopes Dwindle After Series Loss to New Zealand
**Mumbai, India:** India’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) has taken a major hit following their first-ever Test series loss to New Zealand at home. The defeat has dropped India’s points percentage to 62.82, leaving their qualification for the final in jeopardy.
India, who had been leading the WTC points table for much of the 2023-25 cycle, now narrowly lead Australia, who sit at 62.50 PCT. With only six Tests remaining in the cycle, India can no longer afford any complacency.
“The Rohit Sharma-led team still clings on to the top spot, but losing more Test matches will mean that India’s chances to reach the WTC Final will depend on the results of other teams,” a cricket expert said.
India’s remaining schedule includes the third Test against New Zealand in Mumbai, followed by a five-match series against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The road to the final is now a tightrope walk for India. They need to win at least five of their remaining six Tests to maintain a strong points percentage. However, a realistic target would be winning at least two matches.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka and South Africa have emerged as strong contenders for the final spot. Sri Lanka, currently third in the standings, could secure qualification with four consecutive wins in their remaining four Tests.
South Africa, after winning the first Test against Bangladesh, are also in the race. A series sweep against Bangladesh and wins in their remaining home matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan could propel them to the final.
The fight for the WTC final is now wide open. While India remains a contender, their chances hinge on winning a significant number of matches and hoping for favorable results from their competitors.
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