Mon Dec 30 16:25:29 UTC 2024: **India’s World Test Championship hopes hang by a thread after Australia defeat**
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025 suffered a major blow after a crushing 184-run defeat to Australia in the third Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. South Africa has already secured their place in the final after defeating Pakistan.
India now faces a daunting task. To even have a chance, they must win the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Furthermore, they require Australia to lose both their upcoming Tests against Sri Lanka.
Even with a victory in the final Test, India’s qualification remains precarious. They would still be dependent on the outcome of the Australia-Sri Lanka series. An Australian 0-2 loss to Sri Lanka is the only result that would secure India’s place in the final. Any other outcome would see Australia take the second spot, eliminating India. A drawn final Test with an Australian series win, coupled with a Sri Lankan 2-0 win, would eliminate both India and Australia, leaving Sri Lanka to contest the final.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s qualification for the WTC final marks a historic achievement. Their victory over Pakistan cemented their top-two position in the standings, securing their place in the Lord’s final next year. Their consistent performance throughout the cycle, including a 2-0 series win over Sri Lanka at home, led to their success. They achieved a 66.67% win percentage with seven wins from eleven Tests played.
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