With a three-match Test series between New Zealand and England ending Tuesday, the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 is coming to a close. Both teams will not be eligible to compete for the title match at Lord’s next year.
As of right now, South Africa is awaiting the Pakistani challenge at home, while India and Australia, the finalists from the previous year, are battling it out in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to get to the finals.
After a hard-fought victory over Sri Lanka by 109 runs, South Africa passed Australia, ending their brief reign at the top of the 2023-25 World Test Championship rankings.
The Proteas had to fight hard to win, but they did it thanks to an outstanding all-around performance, which put them in the lead for the WTC Final at Lord’s.
The Black Caps fell to fifth position in the rankings when England defeated New Zealand in the first Test match in Christchurch. Both teams were docked three WTC points for continuing to play at a sluggish over-rate.
After yet another dominant performance by England in the second Test in Wellington, New Zealand’s hopes of qualifying for the summit match suffered a serious blow. Both sides concluded their WTC25 campaign at fourth and sixth place, respectively, as New Zealand won the final Test by 423 runs.
South Africa: 63.33 per cent of possible points
Remaining matches: Pakistan (home, two Tests)
Best Possible Finish: 69.44 per cent
South Africa dominated Sri Lanka 2-0 at home, continuing their strong performance from their thrilling series victory over Bangladesh in the subcontinent. According to the ICC, South Africa have surpassed Australia to take the lead in the World Test Championship rankings thanks to their outstanding performance.
South Africa’s next two home matches against Pakistan are crucial because, if they maintain their winning streak, they will be guaranteed a spot in the World Test Championship regardless of how the other teams do.
Australia: 60.71 per cent of possible points
Remaining matches: India (home, three Tests), Sri Lanka (away, two Tests)
Best possible finish: 71.05 per cent
Australia and India have been engaged in a fierce battle to stay in the top two WTC25 rankings. Australia, the current World Test Championship champions, lost in Perth, allowing India to take the lead. Australia had recovered the top place following India’s series defeat to New Zealand.
South Africa’s win in the first Test against Sri Lanka pushed Australia down to No.3. However, a dominant win in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide propelled them to the top once again, albeit only temporarily as the Proteas surged ahead to claim the No.1 spot.
Currently deadlocked at 1-1 in the Border-Gavaskar series, Australia is well positioned to place in the top two. In addition, they will travel to Sri Lanka for two more Test matches the following year, which might put them in a 2-2 draw with India and keep them in the running for a spot in the final.
India: 57.29 per cent of possible points
Remaining matches: Australia (away, three Tests)
Best possible finish: 64.04 per cent
After an unprecedented 0-3 series whitewash at home in October against New Zealand which pushed them down a spot in the WTC table, India bounced back in the race for Lord’s with a comprehensive win against Australia in Perth.
An all-round display from the batters and the bowlers in Perth were rekindled India’s hopes for a third straight appearance in the WTC Final. However, their hopes were dashed when they suffered a 10-wicket loss at the hands of Australia in the second Test, which forced them to slip to No.3 in the Standings.
It would not be easy but is not impossible as India need to win all of their three matches to ensure qualification.
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