Sun Oct 27 14:28:49 UTC 2024: ## India’s WTC Final Qualification in Jeopardy After Shock Losses to New Zealand
**Bengaluru & Pune, India** – India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the third consecutive time have taken a serious hit following their two straight losses to New Zealand in a recent home series. Despite the setbacks, India still holds the top spot on the WTC 2023-25 points table.
The Black Caps, under the leadership of Tom Latham, delivered a stunning performance, crushing India by eight wickets in Bengaluru and then by 113 runs in Pune. These defeats mark India’s first home series loss in 12 years and have significantly impacted their position on the WTC points table.
India’s win percentage has plummeted from 74.24% to 62.82% after the two losses. They now sit just 0.32% ahead of Australia, who are currently in second place.
To secure automatic qualification for the final without relying on other teams’ results, India needs to win four of their remaining six matches. However, this is a daunting task, considering five of those six matches will be played in Australia.
New Zealand’s victory has opened the door for other teams like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Australia to challenge for a spot in the WTC final.
Sri Lanka, currently in the mix, needs to win all their remaining matches and hope India falters. South Africa, however, is seen as a strong contender, needing only to win their remaining matches to significantly strengthen their chances.
Australia, the defending champion, is the favorite to qualify. They need to win four of their remaining seven matches.
The WTC 2023-25 final is scheduled for June 11-15 at Lord’s, with June 16 available as a reserve day. The race for qualification promises to be intense, with India facing an uphill battle to maintain their top position.
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