World Test Championship: Key Scenarios for India’s Qualification
India must win the remaining Tests to have a chance at the WTC final. If the third Test ends in a draw, India will need to win at least one of the last two matches to keep their hopes alive. Should India win all of their remaining matches, their Percentage of Points (PCT) will be better than Australia’s, provided Australia loses both of their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka.
However, if the series ends 2-2, India will need Sri Lanka to beat Australia 1-0 in their two-match series for qualification. A win from Australia in that series would end India’s hopes. In a twist, Pakistan’s performance could still help India if the series ends 2-2. If Pakistan defeats South Africa in their two-match series, India could still make it to the WTC final.
On the other hand, Australia can qualify for the WTC final even with a draw against Sri Lanka.
India’s Struggle in the Third Test
Rain delays in Brisbane provided some relief to India, as India avoided the follow-on, scoring 252 for nine when bad light forced early stumps on day 4 of the third Test against Australia on Tuesday. Ravindra Jadeja (77) and KL Rahul (84) led India’s fightback, but once they were dismissed, Jasprit Bumrah (10) and Akash Deep (27) helped push the total forward, with Akash playing a heroic unbeaten knock of 39 off 54 balls.
India, however, still trail by 193 runs.
South Africa Vs Pakistan ODI Series
Before the test series, Pakistan is playing 3-ODI series against South Africa. Following their loss in the three-match T20I series against South Africa, Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, will aim to bounce back in the upcoming three-match ODI series, starting Tuesday, December 17. This series provides both teams an opportunity to fine-tune their lineups in preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
