The second edition of the ICC World Test Championship is slowly approaching towards a glittering finish. While the teams making it to the final are yet to be decided, it would be apt for fans if arch-rivals India and Pakistan make it to summit clash. It has been 15 years since the cricket universe witnessed an India vs Pakistan Test. The last time the two arch-rivals met in the longest format of the game was back in 2007 at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which ended in a draw.
The first cycle of the World Test Championship ended in June 2021 with India and New Zealand battling in the final. In the second cycle, India, Australia, Pakistan and South Africa seem to be the top contenders for a place in the final.
On that note, let’s take a look at how India and Pakistan can clash off in the mega final:
India are currently fourth on the points table with 52.08 percent points (75 out of 144 points) under their belt. They have six matches left, two will be against Bangladesh and four against Australia. If they win all six of them without any slow over rate issues, their points percentage will go up to 68.05 percent (147 out of 216 points).
Pakistan, on the other hand, are currently placed third on the table 58.33% points (56 out of 96 points). They have six matches left – one against Sri Lanka, two against New Zealand and three against England. If they manage to win at least five of their six matches, their points percentage will be 69.05% (116 out of 168).
Australia, on the other hand, have still nine matches left in their World Test Championship roaster. If the Aussies manage to win their games against West Indies and South Africa at home, but suffer a whitewash against India, their points percentage will sink to 63.16 percent.
If South Africa lose to Australia 0-3, their point percentage will also go down to 66.67%, which will boost India and Pakistan’s chance given that they will all their remaining games.
Hence the five series crucial to decided the ICC World Test Championship finalists are India vs. Bangladesh (November 2022), Australia vs. South Africa, England vs. Pakistan, New Zealand vs. Pakistan (December 2022) and India vs. Australia (February 2023).
Get the latest cricket news here and like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.