New Delhi (India), : South Africa consolidated their position at fourth place in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 ​​points table with a series win over Bangladesh, boosting their chances of a primary appearance in the match for title at Lord’s next year.

With the likes of India, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa fighting hard for the coveted spots in the WTC finals, here’s a look at where the championship has been so far.

-First – India – 62.82% of possible points Remaining series: New Zealand, Australia

Best possible finish: 74.56 percent

The two-time World Test Championship runners-up were pretty much in the hunt for a place in next year’s finals, but back-to-back slip-ups at home against New Zealand have left the door open for the opposition.

While Rohit Sharma’s side still maintain a narrow lead at the top of the table, another defeat in the third Test against the Black Caps will see them travel to Australia next month needing to win at least four of their matches Down Under to the qualification is ensured.

Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be crucial for India and their chances of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship final.

-Second – Australia – 62.50 percent of possible points

Remaining series: India, Sri Lanka

Best possible finish: 76.32%.

Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on course for a second consecutive finals appearance, but Pat Cummins’ side will likely need to win at least four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend their title in 2023.

The only advantage Australia have over India is that they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma’s side and remain in contention for a place in the finals ahead of that trip in Asia.

But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.

-Third – Sri Lanka – 55.56 percent of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa, Australia

Best possible finish: 69.23%.

A stunning win over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could yet make a push for a place in the World Test Championship finals with three more wins from the remaining four Tests.

Their task will be tough, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a new two-match home series against reigning champions Australia in 2025.

Kamindu Mendis’ stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side with an average of 94.30 in the first 12 innings of the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain key, especially in the final series at home.

If Sri Lanka can pull off a win in South Africa, it could lead to a podium finish on home soil, with the top two spots still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.

-Fourth – South Africa – 54.17% of possible points

Remaining series: Sri Lanka, Pakistan

Best possible finish: 69.44%.

South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive win in the opening game, then followed it up with an even more commanding display in the second match, winning by a colossal innings and 273 runs. runs.

The 2-0 series in Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year’s World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to continue their form and win three of their four contests on home soil at the end of the year .

The two-match home series against Sri Lanka in late November will be crucial for the Proteas as a series sweep there will boost their chances of reaching the finals and end any hopes the island nation had of reach. title decider.

Rising to fourth in the rankings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a real threat to the top-ranked teams with four matches remaining at home.

-Fifth – New Zealand – 50 percent of possible points

Remaining series: India, England

Best possible finish: 64.29 percent

A first series win in India gave New Zealand hopes of a second World Test Championship title, but they still have a long way to go if they want to finish in the top two of the rankings.

The Black Caps will likely need to win all four remaining Tests to reach the finals, meaning they will need to complete series over India and England at home if they are to do so. It’s not impossible, but it will be tough for the Kiwis.

-Sixth – England – 40.79 percent of possible points

Remaining series: New Zealand

Best possible finish: 48.86 percent

Back-to-back losses in Pakistan have seen England drop out of contention for a place in next year’s finals, with Ben Stokes’ side just three Tests remaining in this cycle.

They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will look to end the cycle on a high note with a series win away from home.

Seventh – Pakistan – 33.33 percent of possible points

Remaining Series: South Africa, West Indies

Best possible finish: 52.38 percent

Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under new coach Jason Gillespie but remain out of contention to reach the finals with a total of six teams ahead of them in the table.

While Pakistan could still win the remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage of up to 52.38 per cent, it is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two of the table.

-Eighth – Bangladesh – 27.50% of possible points Series remaining: West Indies

Best possible finish: 39.58 percent

The recent series defeat to South Africa at home has helped Bangladesh’s chances of reaching next year’s finals with just two Tests left for the Asian side this cycle.

He could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but that would not be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.

-Ninth – West Indies – 18.52 percent of possible points

Remaining series: Bangladesh, Pakistan

Best possible finish: 43.59 percent

Barring a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it has been a forgettable second World Test cycle for the West Indies.

The Caribbean men dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to start the campaign and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the improbable win at the Gabba in January.

Kraigg Brathwaite’s men failed to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches by a margin, before losing by 20 runs in a home series against South Africa.

After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan at the start of the new year to complete their campaign.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed, with no text modifications.