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Can England Qualify For WTC Final After Latest Defeat Against Sri Lanka? Check Latest Scenario

Sri Lanka defeated England by 8 wickets (X)Sri Lanka defeated England by 8 wickets (X)

Sri Lanka secured a historic eight-wicket victory over England at The Oval that marked their first Test win against the hosts in a decade. Despite losing the three-match series 1-2, Sri Lanka's triumph in the final game has lifted them to fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. 

This victory not only broke a long-standing drought for Sri Lanka against England but also dealt a significant blow to England's hopes of reaching the 2025 WTC final.

England's Path To WTC Final Narrow After Sri Lanka Defeat

England, led by stand-in skipper Ollie Pope in this match, had been riding high on a strong home season, which included a 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies and two commanding victories against Sri Lanka in the first two Tests. However, the Sri Lankan side bounced back emphatically in the third Test and defeated England at home. 

After the loss, England's points percentage dropped to 42.19%, and they are currently placed at the sixth in the WTC standings. Sri Lanka, narrowly ahead, now holds a 42.86% points percentage and has moved up to fifth position.

England's Scenario For Reaching The WTC Final 2025

England's chances of making the WTC final now appear difficult, as earlier defeats to Australia and India have left them with little margin for error in the remaining fixtures of the 2023-25 cycle. 

At present, India, with 68.52%, and Australia, with 62.50%, are comfortably ahead of England. Even if India lose all five of their remaining Tests in Australia but win their five home matches, they will finish above England.

For England to surpass India, the Rohit Sharma-led side would need to lose at least six of their remaining 10 fixtures.

Australia, meanwhile, have seven matches left, including two Tests on an away tour against Sri Lanka and a crucial home series against India. If Australia win four of their remaining games, they will be guaranteed to finish above England in the WTC standings.

Even if England wins all six of their remaining Tests, they can only achieve a maximum points percentage of 57.95% well below the current standings of India and Australia.

England’s path to the WTC final looks extremely challenging, and they will need to rely on other results going their way while maintaining a perfect run themselves.