South Africa made it to the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. They beat Pakistan in the Centurion Test. Now, India and Australia are racing for the second spot.


On Sunday, South Africa won a close game against Pakistan. This win gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. It also secured their spot in the WTC final for the first time.


Before the series against Pakistan, South Africa needed just one win. After beating Pakistan in the first Test, they knew they were going to the final. The final will be at Lord's in June next year.


South Africa is at the top of the WTC points table. Australia is second, and India is third.


After Pakistan's loss, India and Australia are now competing head-to-head. They are fighting for the second spot in the WTC final.



India vs. Australia: Border-Gavaskar Trophy Becomes Decisive


The Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia has three matches done. The fourth Test in Melbourne is ongoing. Monday is the last day of this match.


The series is tied at 1-1. One Test ended in a draw.


Both Australia and India must win the remaining matches. They can't afford to make mistakes.


What Must India and Australia Do to Qualify for the WTC Final?


The third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy ended in a draw. India's points percentage dropped to 55.88. Australia's points percentage is 58.89.


India has only one match left after Melbourne. Australia has three matches, including a series against Sri Lanka.


If India wins in Melbourne and Australia wins in Sydney, India will have 126 points. Australia could still win the final by drawing or winning against Sri Lanka.


A similar situation will happen if Australia wins in Melbourne but loses in Sydney.


If India draws in Melbourne and wins in Sydney, they will have 130 points. Australia would need to beat Sri Lanka 2-0 to win the final.


If India loses in Melbourne but draws in Sydney, they will have 118 points. Australia could still win the final after their series against Sri Lanka.


If India draws both matches, they will have 122 points. Australia would need to win at least one match against Sri Lanka to win the final.


Australia seems to have a better chance to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This would secure their spot in the WTC final.


How Are Points Awarded in the WTC?


The WTC cycle started in June 2023 and ends in June 2025. Each team plays six Test series over this period.


Each win gives 12 points. A tie gives 6 points to both teams. A draw gives 4 points to each team.


Points are calculated on a percentage basis if a team plays more or fewer Tests. A win is 100% of 12 points. A tie is 50%, and a draw is 33.3%. Points can be deducted for slow over rates.


WTC Winners So Far


The ICC started the WTC in 2019. New Zealand won the first final in 2021 against India. Then, in 2023, Australia beat India to win the trophy.


When Is the WTC Final?


The third WTC final will be at England's famous Lord's Cricket Ground. It starts on June 11, 2025. We'll see which team will play South Africa in the final.