After the recent wins and losses, the WTC table has changed. In the last week, three test matches have involved the top six teams. With Australia's victory in the game between India and Australia, South Africa against Sri Lanka, and England against New Zealand, the winning team has moved up the table while the losing team has dropped from their position.

 

With ten tests remaining in the cycle, there are not enough spots for teams to gain the final spot. Only South Africa is in the best position to enter the final, having just won one of their last test matches. For the final spot, three more games are remaining in the border Gavaskar series: two more between Sri Lanka and Australia and two more between South Africa and Pakistan.

 

Position And Remaining Matches

Currently, South Africa is at the top of the table with a PCT of 63.33, with two matches remaining at home against Pakistan, while India has three test matches remaining against Australia and is currently standing in third with 57.29 PCT. Australia is in second position with 60.7 PCT; Australia has the most matches to be played, with three at home against India and two away games against Sri Lanka. In the fourth position, Sri Lanka is standing with 45.45 PCT with two matches remaining against Australia at home.

 

India's Uneasy Road

India can't lose any match from now onwards if they want to reach the finals. The maximum room they have is for a draw in the remaining three test matches, but they still need at least two wins. If India loses two games, Australia can surpass them after winning two tests with Sri Lanka. If India loses in the series by 2-3, South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka can exceed them. 

South Africa is in the Best Position

South Africa must win one more match to secure their spot in the final. But if both tests are drawn, there will be a chance for both India and Australia to surpass South Africa. If India defeats Australia by 3-2 and Australia wins both matches against Sri Lanka, South Africa loses the series by defeat and a draw. They can still reach the final, but it depends on either India not winning more than a match or Australia losing all of the remaining test matches. 

 

 

Australia's Final Prospect

Australia must win at least two of the remaining test matches against India to reach the final. If they lose to India by 3-2, they must win both test matches against Sri Lanka to surpass India. If they don't, they will need to wait for South Africa not to get any wins against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka's dim chances

Even if Sri Lanka wins both of the remaining test matches, it will still be at the mercy of other teams to advance to the finals.

With the WTC cycle nearing its end, seeing who reaches the final will be interesting.