• Home
  • Cricket Analysis
  • What Are Indias Chances To Qualify For Wtc 2025 Final After England New Zealands Penalties

What Are India’s Chances To Qualify For WTC 2025 Final After England, New Zealand’s Penalties?

Jatin

India are at the top of the WTC points table [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]India are at the top of the WTC points table [Source: @CricCrazyJohns/x.com]

Team India’s chances of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final just got a much-needed boost, thanks to penalties slapped on England and New Zealand for slow over-rates. While England is already out of the WTC race, New Zealand’s penalty saw them plunge further in the WTC points table and it has opened doors for India to strengthen their position.

But the journey is far from a cakewalk. Let’s break down how things stand and what India needs to do to secure their spot at Lord’s next year.

New Zealand and England Slip Up

The ICC came down hard on both England and New Zealand for falling three overs short in their opening Test in Christchurch. A three-point deduction and a 15% match fee fine were sanctioned on each team. With England out, the penalty has hit New Zealand hard.

The Kiwis have fallen from fourth to fifth place, which has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread. Even if they win their remaining matches against England, they will need a miracle and some help from other teams to qualify.

India’s Position Strengthened

India now sits comfortably at the top of the WTC standings with 61.11 percentage points. After a stunning win over Australia in Perth, India is back in the race. But they can’t afford to take their foot off the gas. With four matches remaining in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India needs at least three wins to seal their spot. The equation is clear: keep winning and avoid relying on other results.


How South Africa and Australia Factor In?

South Africa’s recent win over Sri Lanka has them firmly in second place with 59.26 percentage points. Australia, despite their loss to India in Perth, is in third with 57.26 percentage points. Both teams are breathing down India’s neck, and any slip-up could prove costly. Sri Lanka, currently in fourth place, also has an outside chance if they step up their game.

What India Needs To Do?

Win Big Against Australia

India’s simplest route to the final is to dominate the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. A 4-0 or 3-0 series win will guarantee India’s place at Lord’s. Even a 3-1 victory will suffice if South Africa doesn’t sweep their series against Sri Lanka.

Avoid Narrow Margins

If the series ends 3-2 or 2-2, India’s fate will depend on other results. They’ll need South Africa to falter against Sri Lanka and hope the Islanders can upset Australia in their home series.

Pray For Favourable Outcomes

In the unlikely event of India losing the series, they’ll need a perfect storm of results. This includes South Africa drawing their upcoming series, New Zealand failing to win both their games, and Sri Lanka splitting points with Australia.

How Other Teams Stand?

New Zealand: The Kiwis now need to win everything and still hope for divine intervention. Their 47.92 percentage points won’t cut it unless other teams stumble.

Sri Lanka: Despite a tough loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka can still sneak in if they win big against Australia and other results go their way.

Australia: With six Tests remaining, the defending champions need to win at least four to stay in the hunt.

South Africa: Sitting pretty at second, the Proteas just need to keep winning to book their ticket to Lord’s.

India’s Path Looks Promising

Thanks to England and New Zealand’s penalties, India has a clear path to the WTC final. But the game is far from over. The Border-Gavaskar Trophy holds the key, and every win will bring India closer to their goal. It’s time for Rohit Sharma and his men to bring their A-game if they are to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final.