WTC final: What India need to do to qualify as 6 Tests remain
India, despite the series loss to New Zealand, are still on top of the WTC standings with 62.82 percentage points after 13 matches
The third and final Test of the three-match series between India and New Zealand commenced today (November 1) in Mumbai with the hosts aiming to avoid a rare whitewash at home.
New Zealand have created history by ending India’s dominant home run of 18 consecutive series wins since 2012. Now, the Rohit Sharma-led side has a task to stop the Kiwis from completing a 3-0 clean sweep at the Wankhede Stadium.
Also read: India vs New Zealand 3rd Test Preview
How India can reach WTC final
This match assumes significance as India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) final depend on this result and the upcoming five Tests against Australia.
India, despite the series loss to New Zealand, are still on top of the WTC standings with 62.82 percentage points after 13 matches. Australia are close second with 62.50, followed by Sri Lanka with 55.56.
Also read: New Zealand script history in Pune
With six Tests remaining for India before the WTC 2023-2025 cycle ends, India, at least, need to win four of those six matches, to seal a spot in the WTC final. This will ensure that they need not depend on other results.
India have played 2 WTC finals in a row
For India to be safe, first they need to win against New Zealand at home in Mumbai and clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia 3-2. If they lose in Mumbai, then they face the tough task of winning four Tests in the series in Australia.
If India do not win four out of the six Tests, then the qualification for the WTC final will depend on other results.
India have been consistent in the WTC, having entered two consecutive finals. However, they lost both the title clashes, against New Zealand and Australia.
Here is the latest WTC table (as of October 1, 2024)
