South Africa’s dramatic victory over Pakistan in Centurion confirmed their place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final in June 2025. Meanwhile, Australia’s emphatic win in Melbourne puts them within reach of joining the Proteas at Lord’s.
Current Standings and Scenarios
- South Africa – 66.67% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 1 Test vs. Pakistan (home)
- Best Possible Finish: 69.44%
South Africa’s nail-biting two-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test has cemented their top spot. Rabada and Jansen were pivotal in the chase, echoing their T20 World Cup heroics. The upcoming Cape Town Test is now a formality.
- Australia – 61.46% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 1 Test vs. India (home), 2 Tests vs. Sri Lanka (away)
- Best Possible Finish: 67.54%
After recovering from an early loss in the Border-Gavaskar series, Australia dominated in Adelaide and Melbourne. They now require just one more win in their next three matches to secure their spot in the final.
- India – 52.78% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 1 Test vs. Australia (away)
- Best Possible Finish: 55.26%
Despite a strong start to the season, including a win in Perth, losses to New Zealand and Australia have jeopardized India’s chances. To qualify, they must win their final Test and rely on results going their way in Sri Lanka’s series against Australia.
- New Zealand – 48.21% of possible points
After an impressive sweep in India, New Zealand’s hopes were dashed by back-to-back defeats to England, compounded by a penalty for a slow over-rate. Despite a consolation victory, they are now out of contention. - Sri Lanka – 45.45% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 2 Tests vs. Australia (home)
- Best Possible Finish: 53.85%
A whitewash defeat to South Africa has left Sri Lanka clinging to slim hopes. They need a draw in Sydney and two home wins over Australia to stand a chance.
- England – 43.18% of possible points
A strong home season was undermined by losses in Pakistan. Despite a series win over New Zealand, England’s inconsistencies ended their qualification chances. - Bangladesh – 31.25% of possible points
Bangladesh closed their campaign with a win over the West Indies, finishing seventh. While out of contention, their performance offers hope for the next cycle. - Pakistan – 30.30% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 1 Test vs. South Africa (away), 2 Tests vs. West Indies (home)
- Best Possible Finish: 45.24%
Pakistan’s loss to South Africa pushed them further down the table. They will aim for redemption in their remaining matches.
- West Indies – 24.24% of possible points
- Remaining Matches: 2 Tests vs. Pakistan (away)
- Best Possible Finish: 35.90%
The West Indies’ inconsistency remains their Achilles’ heel. They will look to end the cycle on a high note in Pakistan.
Key Takeaways:
- South Africa is the first team to confirm their WTC final berth.
- Australia remains the front-runner for the second spot, with India and Sri Lanka still mathematically in contention.
Source: ICC
