South Africa qualifies for WTC finals; here’s what India and Australia need to do to book their ticket to Lord’s

Temba Bavuma-led South Africa on Sunday sealed qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) final to be played at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, in June 2025. The Proteas qualified for the summit by beating Pakistan in the first Test of two matches by two wickets. Chasing 148, the Proteas were in a spot of bother after being reduced to 99/8. However, Kagiso Rabada (31*) and Marco Jansen (16*) ensured that the hosts went past the finish line in Centurion in the second session on Day 4.

Heading into the two-Test series against Pakistan, South Africa needed to win just one match to qualify for the WTC final. Now it doesn’t matter what the result of the second test between South Africa and Pakistan is. The Proteas are currently at the top of the table in the WTC standings.

This result has put more pressure on India and Australia. The two teams now battling it out in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy cannot put a foot wrong if they want to secure their place in the WTC final. With South Africa winning the first Test against Pakistan, we won’t get a repeat of the 2023 WTC final between India and Australia.

What will India and Australia need to do to qualify for the WTC final?

Rohit Sharma and co’s scoring percentage dropped from 57.29 to 55.88 after the drawn Test in Brisbane. The team is currently third in the WTC standings behind South Africa and Australia.

Eight points currently separate Australia and India in the WTC standings. India have just one match left after the Melbourne Test. However, Australia will have three matches remaining – one against India and two against Sri Lanka.

India and Australia are competing for a total of 228 points, adding to the importance of their two head-to-head contests in Melbourne and Sydney.

India and Australia Final WTC Scenarios:

If India win the MCG Test but draw the series 2-2 with Australia’s win in Sydney, India will end their WTC cycle with a total of 126 points and a 55.26 PCT. However, Australia can overtake India with two draws or at least one win in Sri Lanka. Same case will be followed if Australia win in Melbourne but lose in Sydney.

If India draw the MCG Test and win in Sydney, they will end the WTC cycle of 130 points with a 57.01 PCT. Australia must then beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to qualify for the WTC final.

If India lose the Melbourne Test but manage to salvage a draw in Sydney, they Rohit Sharma and co will end up with 118 points. However, Australia would have overtaken this by the end of the series.

If India draw in both Melbourne and Sydney, they will finish with 122 points and 53.50 PCT. Australia will then be required to beat Sri Lanka in at least one match to beat India and qualify for the final.

Updated WTC position:

South Africa (Q) (PCT 66,67)

Australia (PCT 58.89)

India (PCT 55.88)

New Zealand (PCT 48.21)

Sri Lanka (PCT 45.45)

England (PCT 43.18)

Pakistan (30.30 PCT)

Bangladesh (PCT 31.25)

West Indies (PCT 24.24)