World Test Championship: Who Can Still Make the Final?

Qualification Scenarios for the Finalists

1. India

India currently leads the table with a 62.82% win rate, but recent back-to-back home losses to New Zealand have added complexity to their route. To remain in control of their WTC final fate, India needs to defeat New Zealand in the upcoming third Test and ideally win at least three of their five matches against Australia. Winning all four remaining Tests would ensure a spot in the final, but they still have some room for error if other results fall in their favor.

2. Australia

Defending champions Australia are in a strong position with 62.50% of points earned. Their path is clear: winning five of their last seven Tests, including their crucial series against India, would guarantee them a spot at Lord’s. If they secure four wins and at least three are against India, their chances are also strong. Fewer than four wins, however, would leave Australia reliant on other results.

3. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s qualification scenario is simple in theory, though challenging in practice. They need to win all four remaining matches to be certain of a place in the final. This includes tough fixtures against fellow contenders South Africa and Australia. Even with three wins, Sri Lanka might still sneak into the final, but only if other teams, especially Australia and India, lose key matches.

4. New Zealand

New Zealand’s historic win in India has kept their WTC hopes alive. Even if they win all their remaining Tests—one in India and three at home against England—it doesn’t guarantee a final berth, but it would greatly improve their chances. Their performance in the final Test against India will be especially critical, given the tight competition in the points table.

5. South Africa

Currently fifth, South Africa has the most challenging qualification path. To guarantee their spot, they need to win all five remaining matches. Four wins and a draw would still keep them in contention, while even four wins and a single loss could allow a slim chance, depending on other results. South Africa’s road to the final is narrow but achievable if they can capitalize on every match.

Upcoming WTC Schedule and Fixtures

The WTC schedule leading up to the final includes key matchups that will influence the standings:

• November 2024: India vs. New Zealand (final Test), Australia vs. India (five-match series)
• November-December 2024: South Africa vs. Sri Lanka (two-match series), New Zealand vs. England (three-match series)
• January 2025: Pakistan vs. West Indies (two-match series), Sri Lanka vs. Australia (two-match series)

These matches will be decisive in determining which teams secure a place in the final.

World Test Championship History and Final Date

Launched by the ICC in 2019, the WTC aims to crown the top Test-playing nation every two years. New Zealand won the inaugural title in 2021, defeating India, and Australia claimed the 2023 title, also against India. The 2025 WTC final is scheduled to take place at Lord’s on June 11, 2025, marking a new chapter in Test cricket’s highest competition.