Here is how India can qualify for the WTC Final now?

Indian Cricket Team. (Photo Source: BCCI)

India lost the third Test against Australia by nine wickets on Day 3 at Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The Kangaroos successfully chased down the target of 76 in the first session as Travis Head played a counter-attacking knock of 49 off 53. With this win, Australia have qualified for the final of the World Test Championship with a points percentage of 68.52 having 11 wins in the 2021-23 cycle so far.

Led by Steve Smith, the Aussies were in complete control of the match right from Day 1 as they bundled out India for just 109 inside 34 overs in the first innings. In reply, they got a healthy lead of 88 runs in the first innings courtesy of a brilliant 60-run knock by Usman Khawaja.

With 88 runs behind, India had to put an improved batting performance in the second innings to set a challenging target for Australia in the fourth innings. However, Nathan Lyon made sure none of it happened as he brought the Indian batting down on its knees with his outstanding spell of 8/64 bundling out India on 163.

India’s WTC final qualification scenario

The loss in the third Test have put India in a precarious situation in terms of the WTC final qualification. They are placed on the second position in the points table having a points percentage of 60.29 with 10 wins to their name. India will have to win the final Test of the series against Australia starting from March 9 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad to seal their spot in the WTC final.

If they somehow end up losing it, their fate will be in the hands of Sri Lanka who are on the third spot in the points table having a points percentage of 53.33. They will next face New Zealand in a two-match away series starting on March 9. The team led by Dimuth Karunaratne will have to win both of their remaining Tests to seal their place in the WTC final which will be played at the Oval, London from June 7.

Sri Lanka will replace India on the second spot (if India lose the fourth Test against Australia) with their win in the remaining two Tests (against Kiwis) as they will finish with a points percentage of 61.11 as compared to India’s 60.29.

Even a draw in any of the two Tests will crush Sri Lanka’s hopes of making it to the WTC final as they will finish with points percentage of 55.55 if they win one and draw the other Test against the Kiwis. Hence, Sri Lanka will anyhow have to win both of their remaining matches or else they will get knocked out and India will qualify for the WTC final.

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