Pakistan’s hope of reaching the ICC World Test Championship finals of 2021/23 ended as they lost the second Test against England on the fourth day at Multan Cricket Stadium. Â England defeated Pakistan by 26 runs on the fourth day to register their first series win against Pakistan after 17 years.
With this loss, Pakistan’s percentage points in the World Test Championship got reduced to 42.42 percent. The race for the final is among four teams. It promises to be an exciting few months of Test Cricket that will decide the finalists.
Here we look at the 4 teams in contention for the ICC World Test Championship final.
#1 Australia
Australia look in prime position to reach the final after whitewashing West Indies 2-0 in the recently concluded home Test series. They are currently at the No. 1 spot with 75 percentage points and would be looking to continue their position.
They will feature in three-match Test series at home against South Africa to be played from December 17 onwards. Australia needs to win three out of seven remaining matches to qualify for the top two spots. 2 wins and a draw might be enough.
After the three-match Test series against South Africa at home, they face the stiff challenge on Indian soil in the Border-Gavaskar trophy to begin in February-March 2023.
#2 South Africa
South Africa is currently at the No. 2 position with 60 percentage of points. They need to win three out of the five remaining matches. Dean Elgar-led side will take on Australian soil in three-match Test series from December 17.
After the series against Australia, South Africa will take on West Indies in a two-match Test series at home. It has been an impressive performance by Proteas in the current cycle stunning India 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 in New Zealand. They thrashed Bangladesh by 2-0 at home.
South Africa could not strengthen their position as they lost the away series against England by 2-1 after being 1-0 ahead.
The Proteas have played 10 matches with six wins and four losses. Their performances in the ongoing cycle have been impressive. They would be making an impact with a win against Australia on Australian soil.
#3 Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka are at 53.33 percent points and at the No. 3 spot. Their last series in this cycle would be against New Zealand away from home. They need to defeat the Kiwis 2-0 in March-April 2023. Other results should go their way but a 2-0 series win could put them in a position to qualify for the final.
Sri Lanka have featured in 10 games during this cycle with five wins, four losses, and one draw. They would be looking to give a tough fight to New Zealand.
#4 India
Team India are fourth in the ICC Test Championship cycle. They are currently at 52.08 percent points. They have a total of six matches left, including two against Bangladesh away from home, starting from December 14.
After this series, they will face Australia at home in four-match Test series in February-March 2023. If the Indian team could win all their six matches, their percentage points will jump to 68.06. If they lose any one match, they could be on the verge of being knocked out.
Team India has played so far 12 games so far with six wins, four losses and two draws.
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