Mon Dec 30 23:07:18 UTC 2024: ## India’s World Test Championship Hopes Dwindle After Melbourne Defeat

**Sydney, Australia –** India’s chances of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final suffered a significant blow after a crushing 184-run defeat to Australia in the fourth Test in Melbourne on Monday. The loss leaves India’s fate hanging in the balance heading into the final Test in Sydney next week.

Currently sitting third in the WTC standings, India must win the Sydney Test to keep their hopes alive. Even a series win (2-2) wouldn’t guarantee qualification. India would then need Sri Lanka to win at least one match against Australia in their upcoming series to surpass Australia’s projected win percentage. However, a single Australian victory in their remaining matches would secure their place in the final. Any penalty points for slow over-rates could further complicate the equation for both teams. South Africa has already secured their spot in the final. A series defeat in Australia will definitively eliminate India from contention.

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