Cricket Buzz Today: The World Test Championship (WTC) is entering a critical phase as teams compete for a place in the 2025 final. Let’s explore where the top sides stand and their chances of securing a spot in the highly anticipated WTC final.
1. India – 68.52% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- West Indies (Away, 1-0 Win)
- South Africa (Away, 1-1 Draw)
- England (Home, 4-1 Win)
Upcoming Matches: - Bangladesh (Home, 2 Tests)
- New Zealand (Home, 3 Tests)
- Australia (Away, 5 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 85.09%
India leads the WTC standings with 68.52% of points, making them a strong contender for the final at Lord’s. Having reached the WTC finals twice before but falling short each time, India is determined to capture the title this time under Rohit Sharma’s leadership. With 10 matches remaining, including a key Border-Gavaskar series against Australia, India’s path to the final looks promising.
2. Australia – 62.50% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- England (Away, 2-2 Draw)
- Pakistan (Home, 3-0 Win)
- West Indies (Home, 1-1 Draw)
- New Zealand (Away, 2-0 Win)
Upcoming Matches: - India (Home, 5 Tests)
- Sri Lanka (Away, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 76.32%
As the reigning WTC champions, Australia is well-positioned for another final appearance. Under the leadership of Pat Cummins, the team has consistently delivered strong performances. Their upcoming series against India will be crucial in their push to secure a top-two spot.
3. New Zealand – 50% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- Bangladesh (Away, 1-1 Draw)
- South Africa (Home, 2-0 Win)
- Australia (Home, 0-2 Loss)
Upcoming Matches: - Sri Lanka (Away, 2 Tests)
- India (Away, 3 Tests)
- England (Home, 3 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 78.57%
The 2021 WTC champions have had a mixed campaign so far. With challenging away series in Sri Lanka and India, followed by home matches against England, New Zealand will need to perform at their best to secure a top-two finish.
4. Bangladesh – 45.83% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- New Zealand (Home, 1-1 Draw)
- Sri Lanka (Home, 0-2 Loss)
- Pakistan (Away, 2-0 Win)
Upcoming Matches: - India (Away, 2 Tests)
- South Africa (Home, 2 Tests)
- West Indies (Away, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 72.92%
A historic series win over Pakistan has propelled Bangladesh into contention for a WTC final spot. With crucial home matches against South Africa and away tests against India, Bangladesh still has a chance to make an unexpected push for a top-two finish.
5. Sri Lanka – 42.86% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- Pakistan (Home, 0-2 Loss)
- Bangladesh (Away, 2-0 Win)
- England (Away, 1-2 Loss)
Upcoming Matches: - New Zealand (Home, 2 Tests)
- South Africa (Away, 2 Tests)
- Australia (Home, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.23%
Sri Lanka’s recent win over England has boosted their WTC hopes. With home matches against New Zealand and Australia still to come, Sri Lanka has an opportunity to secure crucial points.
6. England – 42.19% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- Australia (Home, 2-2 Draw)
- India (Away, 1-4 Loss)
- West Indies (Home, 3-0 Win)
- Sri Lanka (Home, 2-1 Win)
Upcoming Matches: - Pakistan (Away, 3 Tests)
- New Zealand (Away, 3 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 57.95%
England faces a tough road ahead, with away series against Pakistan and New Zealand. Ben Stokes’ side must deliver maximum points from these six matches to keep their hopes alive for a WTC final spot.
7. South Africa – 38.89% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- India (Home, 1-1 Draw)
- New Zealand (Away, 0-2 Loss)
- West Indies (Away, 1-0 Win)
Upcoming Matches: - Bangladesh (Away, 2 Tests)
- Sri Lanka (Home, 2 Tests)
- Pakistan (Home, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.44%
South Africa’s path to the WTC final is still open, especially with upcoming matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. Consistency will be key for the Proteas as they seek to move up the rankings.
8. Pakistan – 19.05% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- Sri Lanka (Away, 0-2 Loss)
- Australia (Away, 0-3 Loss)
- Bangladesh (Home, 0-2 Loss)
Upcoming Matches: - England (Home, 3 Tests)
- South Africa (Away, 2 Tests)
- West Indies (Home, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 59.52%
Pakistan’s WTC campaign has been underwhelming so far. However, they have a chance to rebuild under new coach Jason Gillespie, with key home series against England and West Indies still to come.
9. West Indies – 18.52% of Possible Points
Recent Results:
- India (Home, 0-1 Loss)
- Australia (Away, 1-1 Draw)
- England (Away, 0-3 Loss)
- South Africa (Home, 0-1 Loss)
Upcoming Matches: - Bangladesh (Home, 2 Tests)
- Pakistan (Away, 2 Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 43.59%
West Indies have struggled throughout this WTC cycle, with only a few standout moments. With upcoming matches against Bangladesh and Pakistan, the Caribbean side will aim for a strong finish.