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How India can qualify for WTC?

After a huge defeat from Australia in the third Test in the four-match series, complications for India’s spot in the World Test Championship’s final have emerged. Sri Lanka will make every possible effort to whitewash New Zealand in the two-match Test series. After winning the first two Test matches comfortably in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India […]

After a huge defeat from Australia in the third Test in the four-match series, complications for India’s spot in the World Test Championship’s final have emerged. Sri Lanka will make every possible effort to whitewash New Zealand in the two-match Test series.
After winning the first two Test matches comfortably in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India was expected to whitewash Australia. But, now the table has turned as the visitors made a strong comeback in the third Test and attained the top spot in the WTC points table and made it into the finals with a PCT of 68.52. Now, even if Australia loses the fourth Test and faces a 3-1 defeat in the series, they will drop to PCT 65 and can still hold the top spot in the points table.
After the Indore Test, India has now dropped to a PCT of 60.29. However, they are still on the 2nd spot in the WTC points table. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is placed at the 3rd spot with a PCT of 53.33.
Let’s have a look at different scenarios, how can India qualify for WTC 2023 finals:
If India defeats Australia 3-1
In the ongoing four-match series, if India somehow manages to defeat Australia 3-1 by winning the final Test at Ahmedabad, then India will increase to a PCT of 63.0 and they will finish as the 2nd team in the WTC points table.
On the other hand, if Sri Lanka manages to whitewash New Zealand 2-0, it will not matter for India, as the Lions will end up with a PCT of 61.0 and will take 3rd spot in the WTC points table. In such a case, India can qualify for WTC 2023 finals.
If India defeats Australia 2-1
If the fourth Test against Australia ends up with a draw, then the Indian side will win the series 2-1, but they will reduce to a PCT of 59.0. In this case, Sri Lanka have a chance to take a spot in the WTC 2023 final, if they manage to whitewash New Zealand 2-0.
If India ties series 2-2 against Australia
The last case is, if Australia somehow manages to tie the BGT 2023 series then, Sri Lanka can qualify for the WTC 2023 final if they defeat New Zealand 2-0.
Hence, in any scenario, Sri Lanka have to whitewash New Zealand in the two-match Test series which is going to start from March 9. It is going to be difficult for the Lankans to whitewash New Zealand in the series on their own soil. But anything can happen in the game of cricket.

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