South Africa vs Australia - (Source: AFP)
On Thursday, October 22, South Africa levelled the three-match series 1-1 after a comprehensive win in the 2nd Test. The Temba Bavuma-led side clinched a win by an innings and 31 runs to strengthen their hold in the WTC standings.
The Proteas, who dropped to 3rd after defeat in the 1st Test, are still placed at 3rd, but their PCT has increased from 60 to 66.67. Now, the fans are curious about how will South Africa’s win in the 2nd Test will impact India’s WTC final scenario.
Therefore, this article will look at the possible scenarios through which the Shubman Gill-led side can still make it to the top 2. Below are all the scenarios in which India can qualify for the WTC Final 2027:
If India Win All Their Remaining Matches
India have 7 Tests left in the current WTC cycle - 2 vs New Zealand, 5 vs Australia. At present, India are 5th on the table with 51.52.
If the Shubman Gill-led side win all their remaining matches, they will have a maximum of 66.6%. Now, the Indian team need to pray that only one team either Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa finish above 66.6%.
At present, South Africa have exactly 66.67%, and they are 3rd on the list.
If Australia Win All Their Remaining Matches
India winning all of their 7 matches means that Australia will lose five matches. Now, if Australia lose five matches and win the rest, which is 5 matches, then they will have a maximum of 63.6%, which would be below India.
So, Australia’s defeat in the 2nd Test against South Africa has increased India’s chances; rather, it has given India a chance to write their fate on their own rather than rely on other teams for qualification. Further, if Australia lose the 3rd Test, then its better for India. But even if they don’t, then it's not a big trouble for India.
If South Africa Win All Their Remaining Matches
If South Africa win their remaining 8 matches, the maximum they can reach is 85.71 PCT, which is not so problematic for India, because it means that Australia lose one more match against the Proteas.
In such a scenario, if Australia lose a match against South Africa and India beat Australia in all five matches, the maximum Pat Cummins-led side can reach is 63.63%, which is lower than India. So India would actually be rooting for South Africa to win so that they qualify and India can fight for the second spot.
Otherwise, if Australia continue to win and South Africa loses, the Proteas are in such a good position that they are almost certain to qualify.
Conclusion
So, India will actually benefit if South Africa defeats Australia in the remaining match. Overall, Australia winning against South Africa poses more of a threat to India’s chances than the Rainbow Nation defeating the Australians.
Meanwhile, New Zealand are placed 2nd on the table with 72.22 PCT. They have 10 matches remaining. If India win their 2 Tests against the Kiwis, then the maximum Blackcaps can reach is 75 PCT, which itself is a threat to India's chances. So they need the Kiwis to lose more matches.
.jpg?type=mq "Abhishek Sharma on mistake vs Windies")
