World Test Championship: How Can Team India Qualify For WTC Finals After PAK vs ENG 2nd Test

With England's win in the 2nd Test against Pakistan, India have a better chance of qualifying for the WTC Finals.

Cricket Image for World Test Championship: How Can Team India Qualify For WTC Finals After PAK vs EN (Image Source: Google)

WTC Points Table: England registered their second consecutive test win against Pakistan in Pakistan as they defeated the hosts by 26 runs in the 2nd Test to build an unassailable 2-0 lead. This win by England has helped India's chances to qualify for the WTC Finals to be played in 2023. 

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Harry Brook was adjudged the Player of the Match as he was the only batter who smacked a century in the 2nd Test. Brook scored 108 runs in the 2nd innings, helping England post a good target. Mark Wood then picked up 4 wickets while James Anderson and Ollie Robinson picked up 2 wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 328. 

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With this win, Pakistan have slipped one spot and are now in the 6th spot with a PCT of 42.42. This loss has now ended Pakistan's chances of making it to the WTC finals. England on the other hand, have moved up to the 5th spot with a PCT of 44.44, and are also out of the WTC finals race. 

Now, Australia are at the top with 75% PCT, followed by South Africa (60), Sri Lanka (53.33) and India (52.08). Two out of four teams will qualify for the finals. While Australia are all but through, with a recent 2-0 win against West Indies and a 3-match series at home against South Africa, all the other three teams are still in the race to make it. 

India have 6 more tests left to be played in this cycle, and the equation for them is straightforward, they need to win 5 of these matches and can concede only one loss. India has to play 2 Tests against Bangladesh in Bangladesh and then will play a 4-match series against Australia. 

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Sri Lanka on the other hand has an away series left, against New Zealand, while South Africa are set to host West Indies for a 2-match series at home. Consecutive wins for both teams can increase India's hiccups in the way of the WTC finals. 

Updated World Test Championship table

Pakistan are out of contention! #Cricket #WTC #Australia #SouthAfrica #India #England #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/lfVctQvNxa

— CRICKETNMORE (@cricketnmore) December 12, 2022

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India will play their next Test against Bangladesh at Chattogram, starting on December 14th (Wednesday). India needs to win the 2-match series against Bangladesh by 2-0 and then beat Australia at home by 4-1, 3-0 or 3-1 to make it to the finals. WTC 2023 Finals is set to be played at The Oval om March 31st, 2023.