WTC Qualification: South Africa get closer to spot in final

WTC Qualification: South Africa get closer to spot in final

South Africa's 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka has reduced the race to the Lord's finale next June to a three-way contest. New Zealand's chances are over after a series whitewash in India following two defeats to England at home. Australia and India are now battling it out in what seems like a knockout clash.

Points table (as on Dec 9, 2024)

The Proteas have turned their WTC campaign around with five successive wins after just one win in their first five matches. They currently sit at the top of the table with 63.33%. One win against Pakistan will secure their spot at Lord's, while two wins could see them top the table. If they lose both Tests to Pakistan, they could miss out as India and Australia can finish above them, as can Sri Lanka if they beat Australia 2-0.

Australia were temporarily back at the top after their ten-wicket win in Adelaide but have dropped to second after South Africa's win in Gqeberha. Two wins out of their remaining three Tests against India should give them insurance. If the Border Gavaskar trophy ends in a 2-2 stalemate, Australia will need at least one Test win in Sri Lanka to finish above India. If they lose 2-3 to India, they will need to win both Tests in Sri Lanka to progress without depending on South Africa's results.

India find themselves in a precarious situation after four defeats in their last five Tests. To avoid depending on other results, they need to win at least two and draw the other of their remaining three games in Australia. A 2-1 win in the Border Gavaskar trophy would allow Australia to still finish ahead of them if they beat Sri Lanka 2-0, as could South Africa if they win one more Test.

If the scoreline against Australia ends 2-2 and both Tests between Australia and Sri Lanka end in draws, both India and Australia will be tied on 55.26% with India progressing by virtue of more series wins. But if Australia gains more than eight points in Sri Lanka, they will finish ahead of India. A series defeat by any margin would end India's hopes of a third consecutive final appearance.

Sri Lanka's chances are slim after the series loss in South Africa but can still finish in the top two if:

• Sri Lanka beat Australia 2-0 and end on 53.85%.
• South Africa drop both Tests against Pakistan and finish on 52.78%.
• Only one among Australia or India can top Sri Lanka's tally of 53.85%.