ICC World Test Championship state of play following South Africa’s series win over Bangladesh

New Delhi [India], : South Africa solidified their hold at number four in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 points table with a series win over Bangladesh, increasing their chances for their maiden appearance at the title clash at Lord’s next year.
With teams like India, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and South Africa fighting hard for the coveted WTC final spots, here is a look at the state of play in the championship so far.
-First – India – 62.82 per cent of possible pointsRemaining series: New Zealand , Australia
Best possible finish: 74.56 per cent
The two-time World Test Championship runners up were looking pretty for a place in next year’s final, but consecutive slip-ups at home against New Zealand has left the door open for opposition sides.
While Rohit Sharma’s team still maintains a narrow lead at the top of the standings, another loss 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 ensure qualification.
Regardless of what happens in Mumbai against New Zealand, the five-match series against Australia at the end of the year will be pivotal for India and their chances of reaching a third straight World Test Championship final.
-Second – Australia – 62.50 per cent of possible points
Remaining series: India , Sri Lanka
Best possible finish: 76.32 per cent
Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second consecutive appearance in the final, but Pat Cummins’ side will likely still need to win a minimum of four of their remaining seven Tests if they are to defend the title they won in 2023.
The one advantage that Australia have over India is they have two Tests in Sri Lanka next year, meaning they could theoretically draw 2-2 with Rohit Sharma’s side and stay in contention for a place in the final ahead of that trip to Asia.
But first things first for Australia, who have a poor recent record at home against India and will be keen to regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in over a decade.
-Third – Sri Lanka – 55.56 per cent of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa , Australia
Best Possible Finish: 69.23 per cent
A head-turning victory over England in the third Test in England means Sri Lanka could still make a push for a World Test Championship Final berth with three more wins from their remaining four Tests.
Their task will be difficult, with two Tests scheduled in South Africa at the end of November and a further two-match series at home against reigning champions Australia in 2025.
Kamindu Mendis’ stunning start to his Test career has helped the Sri Lankan side, averaging 94.30 in his first 12 innings in the competition. With the ball, Prabath Jayasuriya will remain the key, particularly in the final series on home soil.
If Sri Lanka can pinch one victory in South Africa, it could lead to a grandstand finish on home soil with the top two spots potentially still to be decided in the final series of the cycle.
-Fourth – South Africa – 54.17 per cent of possible points
Remaining series: Sri Lanka , Pakistan
Best possible finish: 69.44 per cent
South Africa ended a decade-long wait for a win in the sub-continent with an impressive victory 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.
The 2-0 series whitewash over Bangladesh has given South Africa hope of reaching next year’s World Test Championship final, but they will likely need to carry on 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 at the end of November will be the crucial one for the Proteas, as a series sweep there will boost their own chances of reaching the final and put an end to any hopes the island nation had of reaching the title decider.
Climbing to fourth in the standings after the series win, South Africa have suddenly become a genuine threat to the top teams in the standings given they have four more matches at home.
-Fifth – New Zealand – 50 per cent of possible points
Remaining series: India , England
Best possible finish: 64.29 per cent
Winning a first-ever series in India has given New Zealand some hope of claiming a second World Test Championship title, but they still have plenty of work to do if they are to finish in the top two places on the standings.
The Black Caps will likely need to win all four of their remaining Tests to make it through to the final, meaning they will have to complete series sweeps over India and England at home if they are to do so. It is not impossible, but will be tough going for the Kiwis.
-Sixth – England – 40.79 per cent of possible points
Remaining series: New Zealand
Best possible finish: 48.86 per cent
Consecutive losses in Pakistan has seen England drop out of contention for a spot at next year’s final, with Ben Stokes’ side with just three more Tests remaining this cycle.
They travel to New Zealand for a three-match series against the Black Caps and will be looking to finish the cycle on a good note with a series victory away from home.
Seventh – Pakistan – 33.33 per cent of possible points
Remaining Series: South Africa , West Indies
Best Possible Finish: 52.38 per cent
Pakistan have won back-to-back Tests under the watchful eye of new coach Jason Gillespie, but remain out of contention of reaching the final with a total of six teams ahead of them on the standings.
While Pakistan could still win their remaining four Tests and finish with a percentage as high as 52.38 percent, this is unlikely to be enough to finish in the top two places on the standings.
-Eighth – Bangladesh – 27.50 per cent of possible pointsRemaining Series: West Indies
Best Possible Finish: 39.58 per cent
The recent series loss to South Africa at home put pay to Bangladesh’s chances of reaching next year’s final, with just two Tests remaining for the Asian side this cycle.
They could still win those remaining matches to finish with a percentage of 39.58, but this would not be enough to feature in a first World Test Championship final.
-Ninth – West Indies – 18.52 per cent of possible points
Remaining Series: Bangladesh , Pakistan
Best Possible Finish: 43.59 per cent
Outside a moment of glory against Australia in Brisbane in early 2024, it has been a forgettable second World Test Championship cycle for the West Indies.
The men from the Caribbean dropped 20 of a possible 24 points in their home stand against India to begin the campaign, and lost the first Test in Australia by 10 wickets before the unlikely win at the Gabba in January.
Kraigg Brathwaite’s men were unable to emulate the same success in England, losing all three matches heavily, before dropping 20 points in a home series against South Africa.
After their home series in Bangladesh at the end of November, the West Indies face Pakistan away early in the new year to round out their campaign.
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