India's Road to WTC 2025 Final: A Look at Qualification Chances after Test Series Loss to New Zealand

New Delhi: India suffered a stunning 113-run loss to New Zealand on Saturday (October 26) in the second Test of the ongoing three-match series at the MCA Stadium in Pune. Despite a valiant effort, chasing a challenging target of 359, India was eventually dismissed for 245 in 60.2 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal put up a commendable fight with his knock of 77 off 65 balls, but lacked substantial partnerships from the rest of the team, leading to a disappointing outcome for India.

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner delivered a stellar performance, claiming 7 wickets for 53 runs in the first innings and following it up with six more dismissals in the second. His exceptional bowling display earned him a remarkable total of 13 wickets in the match, playing a crucial role in New Zealand’s convincing victory.

With this second consecutive Test defeat, India’s hopes of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final are now in jeopardy. To secure a spot in the final at Lord’s next year, the hosts must win at least four of their remaining six matches in the ongoing WTC cycle. This added pressure will require India to deliver consistently strong performances in the upcoming games to keep their qualification chances alive.

Despite back-to-back losses, India remains at the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. However, their lead has narrowed significantly, with Australia now trailing by only 0.32 points. This slim margin increases the pressure on India to maintain their position and avoid further setbacks as they aim for a spot in the WTC final.

India currently leads the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 table with a PCT of 62.82%, closely followed by 2023 WTC champions Australia, who hold second place with a PCT of 62.50%. Sri Lanka stands in third position with a PCT of 55.56%, while New Zealand has climbed to fourth, with a PCT of 50.00%. New Zealand, the 2021 WTC champions, have won five out of the ten Tests they have played so far in this WTC cycle, making a strong push up the standings.

South Africa currently sits in fifth place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings with a PCT of 47.62%. However, the Proteas can secure a top-two finish—and a spot in the WTC final—if they manage to win their remaining five matches in this cycle. Following the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram next week, South Africa will host Sri Lanka and Pakistan for two-match Test series each, giving them a crucial opportunity to leverage home conditions as they aim for a top finish.

England, after losing their three-match Test series against Pakistan 1-2, currently holds sixth place in the WTC 2023-25 standings with a PCT of 40.79%. Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, has climbed to the seventh position with a PCT of 33.33%. Bangladesh and the West Indies round out the table, sitting in eighth and ninth places with PCTs of 30.56 and 18.52%, respectively, as they continue to face an uphill battle in the WTC cycle.