Impact Of Bengaluru Defeat On India’s WTC Final Prospects

New Zealand secured only their third Test win on Indian soil; a feat that left Indian fans stunned. Chasing a modest target of 107 runs, the Black Caps clinched victory in Bengaluru to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. The win not only gave them momentum but also saw their position in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings rise from sixth to fourth, with their win-loss percentage improving to 44.44%.

India’s Home Dominance Shaken

For years, India has been virtually unbeatable on home soil, boasting a fierce spin attack and resilient batting order. However, this defeat exposed vulnerabilities that had previously remained hidden. India’s batting collapse in both innings, paired with New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, created the perfect storm for this upset.

The fifth day of the Bengaluru Test saw New Zealand wrapping up India’s second innings for a paltry 107 runs. With calm and calculated batting, the Black Caps chased down the target with relative ease.

India’s WTC Position

Despite this defeat, India still maintains the top spot in the WTC standings. However, their win-loss percentage dipped from 70.83% to 68.06%, reducing their cushion in the race to the final. While they remain in control of their destiny, there is now less room for error.

With two more Tests against New Zealand and a five-match series against Australia on the horizon, India’s path to the WTC final is still clear. They need to win at least four of their remaining seven matches and draw two to guarantee their spot. These results would give India a win-loss percentage of 67.54%, which should be enough to secure a place in the final.

The Competition

Currently sitting at 38.89%, South Africa can reach a maximum of 69.44% if they win all six of their remaining matches. Australia, who are set to face India in a five-Test series, can only reach a win-loss percentage of 64.04% if they win four matches, draw two, and lose one.

Here’s the WTC points table after India’s loss to New Zealand:

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Lost	Draw	Deductions	Points	Percentage (%)
1	India	12	8	3	1	2	98	68.06
2	Australia	12	8	3	1	10	90	62.50
3	Sri Lanka	9	5	4	0	0	60	55.56
4	New Zealand	9	4	5	0	0	48	44.44
5	England	18	9	8	1	19	93	43.06
6	South Africa	6	2	3	1	0	28	38.89
7	Bangladesh	8	3	5	0	3	33	34.38
8	Pakistan	9	3	6	0	8	28	25.93
9	West Indies	9	1	6	2	0	20	18.52

New Zealand’s win in Bengaluru not only gives them a morale boost but also revives their WTC hopes. Previously languishing in sixth place, they’ve now climbed to fourth. Their win-loss percentage stands at 44.44%, and while they still face an uphill battle to reach the final, this victory keeps their dreams alive.

---