Sun Nov 03 07:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Team India’s WTC Final Hopes Dwindle After NZ Whitewash
Team India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final are hanging by a thread after they suffered a humiliating 0-3 whitewash at the hands of New Zealand. This defeat has seen India slip to the second position in the WTC points table, with a current tally of 58.33 percent.
Australia, on the other hand, has benefited from India’s struggle, moving to the top of the table with 62.5 percent points. New Zealand’s victory has propelled them to the fourth spot from the fifth.
India’s only chance of reaching the final lies in a dominant performance against Australia in the upcoming five-match Border-Gavaskar series. They cannot afford to lose even a single match in the series. To secure their place in the final, they need to win at least four matches and draw one.
Even if India manages to win four matches and lose one, they will be left with a maximum of 64.03 percent points. A four-match win with a draw will give them 65.78 percent points.
Meanwhile, Australia needs to win at least five of their remaining seven matches to secure their spot in the final. These matches include the five-match series against India and a two-match series against Sri Lanka. A win in five out of seven matches will earn them 65.78 percent points.
South Africa has emerged as a surprise contender after their 2-0 victory over Bangladesh, gaining 24 valuable points. With a current percentage of 54.16 percent, they are currently in fifth place. They have four remaining matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home, where they have a strong record. A complete sweep in these matches could see them reach a maximum of 69.44 percent, while three wins will earn them 61.11 percent.
The WTC final qualification race is now more intense than ever. India will need to overcome their recent struggles and produce a stellar performance in Australia to have any chance of competing for the title.
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