South Africa became the first finalist team

South Africa has become the first team to reach the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25. On Sunday, South Africa defeated Pakistan by 2 wickets in the Centurion Test and confirmed its place in the WTC final.

South Africa had a target of 148 runs to win, which they achieved in a tough match. This is the first time that South Africa has reached the WTC final.

• Performance in the current cycle:
  • Played 11 test matches.
  • Won 7, lost 3, and drawn 1.
• Win Percentage: 66.67
• Points table position: South Africa on top.

Under the leadership of captain Temba Bavuma, this team is in great form and is now fully prepared for the finals.

India-Australia: Competition for the second seat in the final

There is a contest between India, Australia, and Sri Lanka for the second seat in the WTC final.

• Australia’s winning percentage: 58.89 (second place).
• India’s winning percentage: 55.88 (3rd place).

Can India reach the final?

• The ongoing 5-match Test series between India and Australia is currently tied at 1-1.
• If the Indian team is successful in winning the series 3-1 on the Australia tour, then it will directly enter the finals.
• The result of the fourth test will come on Monday, which will further clarify the final equation.

Situation in Australia and Sri Lanka:

• Australia has to play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka next month.
• This series can also affect the final race.

Last chance for India

The Australia series is the only chance for the Indian team under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, as this is their last Test series in the current cycle.

• WTC Final:
  • Date: 11 to 15 June 2025
  • Location: London
  • India has lost the first two WTC finals:
    • Against New Zealand in 2021.
    • Against Australia in 2023.

WTC points table position

Performance of Pakistan and West Indies

• Pakistan:
  • In 8th place.
  • Last test against South Africa from 3 January.
• West Indies:
  • In 9th place.
  • Winning percentage just 24.24.