Pakistan cricket has recently been marred by a series of disheartening events, and the latest setback is a significant one. Following a disappointing performance in the two-match Test series against South Africa, the Pakistan team has been penalized for a slow over-rate during the second Test match. This penalty not only includes a fine but also a deduction of crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points, compounding their woes.

The aftermath of a disastrous series for Pakistan

Pakistan entered the Test series against South Africa with high spirits after clinching the ODI series. However, their confidence quickly evaporated as they faced a narrow defeat in the first Test, which was followed by a humiliating 10-wicket loss in the second Test. This defeat was particularly painful as it marked ??their second consecutive loss in the series, handing South Africa a clean sweep.

In the second Test, Pakistan’s players fell short by five overs, leading to a fine of 25% of their match fees and a deduction of five WTC points. The penalties were imposed by Richie Richardson from the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees after an assessment by on-field umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Nitin Menon, along with third umpire Alex Wharf and fourth umpire Stephen Harris. Shan Masood, the captain, accepted responsibility for the team’s slow over-rate, which has been an ongoing issue for Pakistan throughout the WTC cycle.

Also READ: Pak??istan captain Shan Masood breaks silence over the controversial DRS decision in the SA vs PAK 2nd Test

A pattern of over-rate issues

This isn’t the first time Pakistan have faced penalties for slow over-rates. Earlier in 2023, they were docked points during a Test against Australia and again in August 2024 during a home series against Bangladesh. These recurring issues highlight a trou??bling trend that needs to be ad??dressed if Pakistan hope to improve their standing in international cricket.

The ICC’s regulations state that teams are fined 5% of their match fees for each over bowled short of the required number. Additionally, for every over short, one WTC point is deducted from the team’s total. With these penalties now stacking up against them, Pakistan’s position in the WTC standings has become precarious.

Pakistan’s dismal performance in the second Test

The second Test against South Africa was nothing short of disastrous for Pakistan. After being being put into bat following South Africa’s first innings massive score of 615 runs, Pakistan struggled to make an impact with their batting lineup. Despite Masood’s commendable effort with a score of 145 runs in the second innings, he lacked support from his teammates, leading to another disappointing outcome.

The match concluded with South Africa chasing down a mere 58 runs without losing any wickets, sealing their victory and confirming their place in the WTC final against Australia. This crushing defeat not only reflects poorly on Pakistan’s performance but also raises questions about their preparedness and strategy moving forward.

Also READ: Top 5 highest follow??-on totals in Test defeats ft. Pakistan

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India‘s journey in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle ended in disappointment as they failed to secure a spot in the final. After a promising start, the team faced a series of setbacks, culminating in a crushing defeat against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. This loss not only mark?ed the end of their campaig??n but also highlighted the inconsistency that plagued the Indian side throughout the cycle.

India’s downfall in Australia

India’s performance in Australia was particularly dismal, as they managed only one victory in their last eight Tests, including a shocking 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand at home. This wa?s followed by a 3-1 loss to Australia, which sealed their fate in the championship. Overall, India won just nine out of 19 Tests during this cycle, a stark contrast to their previous campaigns where they were formidable contenders. The inability to capitalize on home advantage and the failure of key players to perform consistently were significant factors contributing to their early exit from contention for the WTC final.

Also READ: Here’s the updated WT??C 2023-25 points table after India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Austr??alia

5 players with most wickets for India in WTC 2023-25 cycle

Jasprit Bumrah: The standout performer

Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s leading wicket-taker in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, claiming an impressive 77 wickets across 15 matches. His best bowling figures of 6/45 showcased his ability to dismantle opposing batting line-ups. Bumrah’s performance was particularly notable during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he took 32 wickets, proving to be a lone warrior for India amidst team struggles. His match hauls included remarkable figures like 8/72 in Perth and 9/94 in Brisbane, solidifying his reputation as one of the premier fast bowlers in the world.

Ravichandran Ashwin: The spin maestro

Ravichandran Ashwin played a crucial role for India, finishing with 63 wickets in the WTC cycle. Known for his strategic bowling and variations, Ashwin’s best figures of 5/47 demonstrated his skill in exploiting conditions favouring spin. He consistently troubled batters with his clever tactics and ability to turn the ball sharply, making him an invaluable asset for the Indian bowling attack. His experience and expertise were particularly vital during home matches, where he thrived on turning tracks.

Ravindra Jadeja: The all-rounder’s contribution

Ravindra Jadeja contributed significantly with both bat and ball, claiming 55 wickets throughout the cycle. His best bowling figures of 5/50 reflect his capability as a frontline spinner who can also hold up an end when needed. Jadeja’s all-round abilities added depth to the Indian lineup, making him a key player during crucial phases of matches. His agility on the field and sharp cricketing acumen often turned matches in India’s favour.

Mohammed Siraj: The workhorse of India’s bowling unit

Mohammed Siraj emerged as another key figure for India, taking 48 wickets with best figures of 5/73. Siraj’s aggressive bowling style and ability to swing the ball made him a dangerous prospect for any batting order. His performances included several match-winning spells that showcased his potential as a leading fast bowler for India moving forward.

Kuldeep Yadav: The mysterious Chinaman at work

Completing the list is Kuldeep Yadav, who took 22 wickets during this WTC cycle. While his contributions were fewer compared to his counterparts, Kuldeep’s best figures of 4/55 highlighted moments where he could effectively challenge batters with his wrist spin.

While India’s overall performance in the WTC 2023-25 cycle was disappointing, individual players like Bumrah and Ashwin showcased remarkable talent and resilience. As India prepare for the next WTC cycle starting in 2025, these players excluding Ashwin will be crucial in rebuilding and aiming for success on the international stage once again.

Also READ: “Telling players like Rohit or Kohli…� Yograj Singh stres??ses for an improved t?eam management

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The 2023-25 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) has been a true test of talent, skill, and endurance? for teams worldwide, and the Indian cricket team has been no exception. This period has seen India face a mix of triumphs and challenges, showcasing the highs of their dynamic performances and the lows of their setbacks in the longer format?? of the game.

Although India ultimately bowed out of the race to the WTC final following? Border-Gavaskar series loss against Australia, the team displayed several memorable performances, with individuals stepping up to deliver under pressure. From gritty knocks in challenging overseas conditions to dominant displays at home, Indian players have demonstrated their prowess and adaptability throughout the cyc?le.

Amidst the team’s fluctuating fortunes, several batters have stood out, consistently piling on runs and proving their mettle in the toughest format. These performances have not only contributed to India’s competitive spirit but also highlighted the depth of talent in the squad. Here’s a look at some top run-scorers for India in this WTC cycle and their contributions to the team’s journey:

5 highest run-scorers for India in the WTC 2023-25

5) Rishabh Pant

Pant didn’t play enough matches but surely left his imp?act in the limited appearances for India. In 10 games, the star wicketkeeper-batter s??cored 677 runs at an average of 37.61 with the help of one century and 4 half-tons. His fearless approach continued to make him a vital part of the team.

4) Virat Kohli

Kohli had a relativ??ely quiet WTC cycle by his high standards. His average fell do??wn to 32.65 as he scored 751 runs in 14 matches. The former India skipper smashed a couple of hundreds and made 3 fifties, with 121 being his best score.

Also READ: Virat Kohli’s batting form: A tale of two years �2023 v?s 2024

3) Rohit Sharma

Like Kohli, the current Indian captain Rohit also experienced a tough time both with the bat and captaincy in the WTC cycle. While India lost home series against New Zealand and faced heat in the Boder-Gavaskar Trophy in Au??stralia, Rohit’s batting too was a big sign of worry. In 17 matches, Rohit scored 864 runs at a dreadful average of 28.80. Although he managed to smash 3 hundreds and 4 half-centuries, with 131 being his best score.

2) Shubman Gill

Gill also had a tough time with the bat in the WTC 2023-25 cycle. He did manage to reach nearly 1000 runs but his impact was limited, espe?cial??ly in crunch matches. At an average of 37.38, Gill amassed 972 runs in 16 matches, with 3 centuries and as many fifties.

1) Yashasvi Jaiswal

Emerging as the star performer for India, Yashasvi lit up the WTC cycle with his consistent and dynamic batting. The left-handed opener smashed 1,798 runs in 19 matches at an impressive average of 52.88. His contributions included four centuries and 10 half-centuries, with an unbeaten 214 being his standout performance. Jaiswal finished as the second-highest run-scorer in the WTC cycle, only behind England’s Joe Root, who tallied 1,968 runs.

Also READ: AUS vs IND �Michael Vaughan reve??als his combined Australia-India XI following BGT 2024-25

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

The points table ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 currently looks a lot clearer a??fter India lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to Australia. The lead?erboard of the WTC table is determined through Percentage System (PCT) points.

South Africa vs Australia showdown at the Lord’s

As Australia clinched a historic win in the SCG Test to secure the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after 10 years, the two teams for the coveted ICC WTC finals are now decided. South Africa currently sits at the top of the table with 66.670 points. The Protea??s managed to secure 7 wins and 3 draws in the current cycle with a total of 11 matches they have played. The only match the South Africans lost in the cycle till now was against India in the Freedom Trophy back in January 2024. The South Afri?can team is currently playing a 2-match Test series against Pakistan on their home soil.

The road to finals for the Aussies has not been as smooth as the Proteas, but the Australian team proved their mettle and earned their spot the hard way during the course of the cycle. The Australians managed to draw the 2023 Ashes against England and the Frank Worrell Trophy against the West Indies. However, the Australian team gained important points for the WTC cycle by a clean sweep in the Benaud-Qadir Trophy against Pakistan and Trans-Tasman Trophy against New Zealand. The Australian critically needed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy to reach the WTC finals and the former champions managed to do just that by defeating India 3-1 in the series. Australia are yet to play Sri Lanka in the current cycle.

Notably, the t?wo finalists, South Africa and Austral??ia have not played against each other in the current WTC cycle.

Also Read: AUS vs IND: Jasprit Bumr??ah breaks silence on his ?injury and India’s performance in BGT 2024-25

India gets the third place in the current WTC cycle

The stark decline of the Indian team in the longest format of the game is evident not just with their performance in the recen?t series loss against Australia, but also from the fact that India, the two-time WTC runner-up has failed to reach the finals of the prestigious title and could only get the No.3 in the league table.

India had played all its matches in the current cycle and with 9 wins and 8 losses only managed to garner 50 PCT points. A clean-sweep against New Zealand and the recent 3-1 defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy had hurt the Indian prospects of going to the WTC finals the most. The Kiwis are behind India in the league table with 48.210 PCT points followed by Sri Lanka, England, Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies.

The 20??25-27 cycle of the World Test Championship is set to begin in June? this year as England take on India for a 5-match Test series on their home soil.

Also Read: Fans furious at Gautam Gambhir as Australia seals a historic Test win ag?ainst In?dia in Sydney

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

As the cricketing world turns its gaze towards the World Test Championship (WTC) final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s, the recent Boxing Day Test has significantly altered the landscape of qualification. Australia’s emphatic 184-run victory over India not only gave them a 2-1 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 but also heightened their chances of reaching the WTC final for a second consecutive time. With both tea??ms now vying for a spot, the question?? arises: What happens if India and Australia finish with identical points?

A crucial final Test for India

India’s hopes of retaining the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hinge on their performance in the upcoming Test at Sydney, scheduled from January 3-7, 2025. Currently, India sit at 114 points in the WTC standings, needing a win to elevate their total to 126 points out of a possible 228. This would result in a points percentage (PCT) of 55.26%, crucial for their qualification hopes. A draw or loss, however, would eliminate them from contention entirely.

Also READ: Team India’s full schedule till IPL 2025: England series, Champions Trophy ??& More

Australia’s path to victory

Australia, on the other hand, currently holds 118 points and can secure a maximum of 154 points if they win all remaining matches. Even if they lose to India in Sydney, their fate will still depend on their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. If Australia loses to India and Sri Lanka wins by a?? scoreline of 2-0 or 1-0, India could leapfrog Australia i?n the standings.

The identical points scenario

The scenario where both teams finish with identical points�26 each—is plausible. This would occur if India wins in Sydney?? while Sri Lanka draws their series against Australia. In this case, both teams would end with a PCT of 55.26%. The WTC rules stipulate that if teams have equal points, the team with more series wins advances. Both teams would have three series victories each, necessitating further tiebreakers.

Deciding factor of the tie breaker

In the event of tied points and series wins, the next deciding factor is the percentage of points earned in away matches. India’s away record includes two Tests in the West Indies (1 win, 1 draw), two in South Africa (1 win, 1 loss), and five in Australia (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), yielding them a total of 56 out of a possible 108 points (51.85% win rate). Conversely, Australia’s away performance includes five Tests in England (2 wins, 2 losses, 1 draw), two Tests in New Zealand (2 wins), and two Tests in Sri Lanka (2 draws), giving them a total of 60 out of 108 p??oints (55.56% win rate).

With stakes this high, cricket fans eagerly a??wait the conclusion of this gripping series and subsequent mat??ches involving Sri Lanka and Australia, it is clear that every game will hold monumental significance for both India and Australia.

Also READ: ICC unveils nominees?? for the 2024 Cricketer of the Year A??ward, snubs Rohit Sharma

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Australia staged a commanding performance to defeat India by 184 runs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Monday, taking a crucial 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. The victory not only brought them closer to retaining the trophy but also dealt a significant blow to India’s chances of qualifying for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023- 2025 final.

Australia’s bowling attack stifles India’s chase

Set a daunting target of 340 runs to win, India was bowled out for just 155 runs in 79.1 overs on the final day. The Australians’ relentless pace and control were led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who dismantled the Indian top order with incisive bowling. For India, Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with a gritty 84 off 208 balls, but the lack of contributions from the seasoned trio of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli proved fatal to India’s chances of chasing d??own the target successfully. Rohit, Rahul and Kohli managed scores of 9, 0, and 5 runs, respectively, leaving India with no hope o??f mounting a serious challenge.

India’s World Test Championship qualification hopes take a massive hit

India’s defeat has had severe repercussions for their WTC 2025 qualification hopes. Currently placed 3rd on the WTC points table with a PCT (Percentage of Points Earned) of 52.78%, India’s qualification is now highly dependent on external results. To stay in contention, India must win the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting January 3, 2025.

Even then, they will need Sri Lanka to defeat Australia either 2-0 or 1-0 in their two-match Test series, which begins on January 29, 2025, in Galle. If these conditions are met, India could finish the WTC cycle with a PCT of 55.26%, surpassing Australia’s potential maximum of 53.51% and Sri Lanka’s 5??3.85%. However, if India fails to win the Sydney Test or it ends in a draw, their hopes of qua?lifying for the WTC final will be dashed, with Australia or Sri Lanka taking the remaining spots.

Meanwhile, South Africa have already secured their place in the WTC 2025 final by defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test of their two-match series at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 29, ??2024. This marks South Africa’s first-ever appearance in the WTC final, increasing the pressure on India to perform and avoid missing?? out for a third consecutive cycle.

Also READ: Fans react as Australia go 2-1 u??p after dramatic win over India in the Boxing D?ay Test

India’s form worsens: Flop show from Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

India’s batting struggles, particularly their senior playersâ€?inconsistent performances, have plagued their campaign since September when the Test season began. Rohit and Kohli, once pillars of India’s batting lineup, have collectively struggled throughout the series, with Rohit’s form being particularly concerning. His aggregate of just 31 runs at an average of 6.20 in this series has set a new record for the lowest batting average for a touring captain in a Test series in Australia (minimum five innings). Rohit’s dismal showing in Melbourne, with scores of 3 and 9, further intensified the fansâ€?frustration. His inability to replicate his ‘Hitman’ persona in the series has led to widespread criticism and social media backlash, with ca?lls for his retirement, alongside Kohli, ga?ining traction.

Also READ: Indian captain Rohit Sharma equals Courtney Wa?lsh’s unwanted record in Test cricket

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

In a thrilling encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Nathan Lyon etched his name in cricket history by surpassing Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin to become the seventh leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. This achievement came after a stellar performance during the fourth Test of the ongoing series between Australia and India, where Lyon claimed five wickets, contri??buting ??significantly to Australia’s 184-run victory on December 30.

A historic Boxing Day Test

The Boxing Day Test is a prestigious event in the cricket calendar, and Lyon made it memorable by delivering an exceptional performance. He recorded figures of 3 for 96 in the first innings and followed it up with 2 for 37 in the second, ultimately sealing the match by dismissing Mohammed Siraj with a perfectly executed delivery that trapped him in front of the stumps. This pivotal wicket not only secured victory for the Australian team but also marked a significant milestone in Lyon’s career.

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Snickometer operator explains the?? absence of a spike during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal

The numbers game: Nathan Lyon vs Ravichandran Ashwin

With this match, Lyon now boasts a total of 538 Test wickets from 133 matches, surpassing Ashwin’s tally of 537 wickets from 106 matches. Ashwin, who announced his retirement just days prior on December 18, had been a formidable opponent throughout his career, establishing himself as one of the best spinners in modern cricket. The competition between these two spinners has been intense, with both players pushing each other to greater heights over the years.

All-time leading wicket-takers

Lyon’s achievement places him among?? an elite group of bowle??rs. The list of the top wicket-takers in Test history is as follows:

Equaling Ashwin’s World Test Championship record

Additionally, with his five-wicket haul in this match, Lyon has equalled Ashwin’s record for the most wickets taken in the World Test Championship (WTC), with both spinners now sitting at 195 wickets. The race to break this record is heating up as both Lyon and Australian captain Pat Cummins have an opportunity to surpass Ashwin’s ma?rk in the upcoming fifth Test scheduled to start on January 3, 2025.

Also READ: AUS vs IND:?? Anushka Sharma and Athiya Shetty left heartbroken as Virat Koh??li’s MCG performance falls flat on final day

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

India and Australia settled for a rain-affected draw in the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series at the Gabba, Brisbane. The match, plagued by weather interruptions, impacted both teams�chances of climbing the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.

Brisbane Test between Australia and India

India, after electing to field, could only manage 13.2 overs on day one due to rain. Australia capitalized on day two, with centuries from Steve Smith (101) and Travis Head (152) guiding them to 405/7. They were bowled out for 445 on day three, before India’s reply faltered to 51/4.

Rain interruptions continued on day four, but India reached 252/9 by stumps, thanks to a resilient last-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep. The visitors were eventually dismissed for 260 on day five. Australia declared at 89/7 in their second innings, setting India a target of 275 from 54 overs. Bad light and rain ensured India ended at 8/0 i??n 2.1 overs, forcing a draw.

Also READ: Ravichandran?? Ashwin announces retirement from inte??rnational cricket

Updated WTC 2023-25 standings after Gabba Draw

The rain-affected draw resulted in both teams earning four points each in the WTC standings. Australia remains in second place with a PCT (Percentage of Points) dropping from 60.71 to 58.89, while India stays third, with their PCT reducing from 57.29 to 55.88. South Africa leads the table with a PCT of 63.33. This Test was crucial for India, as the remaining two matches in the BGT are their last in the 2023-25 WTC cycle. Australia, after this series, will have two Tests against Sri Lanka ea??rly next year.

Following the draw at the Gabba, South Africa retained their top position in the ICC WTC standings with a PCT of 63.33, having won six of their 10 matches. Australia remained in second place with a PCT of 58.89, after nine wins, four losses, and two draws from 15 m?atches. India stayed in third, with a PCT of 55.88, securing nine wins, six losses, and two draws from 17 matches.

New Zealand, with seven wins and seven losses from 14 matches, held fourth place with a PCT of 48.21. Sri Lanka followed in fifth with a PCT of 45.45, after five wins in 11 matches. England, despite playing 22 matches – the most among all teams – occupied the sixth position with a PCT of 43.18, registering 11 wins and 10 losses.

Pakistan, with four wins and six losses in 10 matches, stood in seventh place with a PCT of 33.33. Bangladesh, with four wins from 12 matches, maintained eighth place with a PCT of 31.25. West Indies rounded off the table in ninth position with a PCT of 24.24, having won just two of their 11 matche??s. The standings highlight a close race among the top three teams, with South Africa, Australia and India all competing fiercely for a spot in the WTC final.

Also READ: 3 ways how V?irat Kohli can regain his prime form in Test cricket

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

South Africa registered a convincing 109-run victory over Sri Lanka on Day 5 of the second Test at St. George’s Park, thanks to an exceptional performance by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. Maharaj delivered a match-winning spell, claiming five wick??ets for 76 runs, as Sri Lanka collapsed to 238, losing their last five wickets for just 33 runs.

This win completed a 2-0 series whitewash, underlining South Africa’s dominance at home. The result also marked a crucial achievement for Temba Bavuma’s team, as they climbed to the top of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack and Maharaj’s consistent breakthroughs proved too much for Sri Lanka to handle on the final day.

Impact on the World Test Championship Table

South Africa’s emphatic series victory has significantly reshaped the WTC points table. With a percentage of points (PCT) now standing at 63.33, they overtook Australia to claim the top spot. The Proteas have won six out of their ten Tests in this cycle, showcasing remarkable consistency. Australia, the reigning champions, slipped to second place with a PCT of 60.71. India, meanwhile, remains at the third position with a PCT of 57.29, having suffered a disappointing defeat in the second Test against Australia in Adelaide. Despite their loss, Sri Lanka retains fourth place on t??he table with 45.45 PCT but faces an uphill t?ask to remain in contention for a spot in the final.

South Africa’s road to the WTC final

South Africa’s latest victory places them within touching distance of securing a place in the WTC final, which is set to be held at Lord’s from June 11 to 15, 2025. With a two-match Test series against Pakistan starting on Boxing Day, the Proteas need just one more win to confirm their berth in the final. The team’s recent performances, both at home and away, have cemented their position as strong contenders for the title clash. The performance of key players, including Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, in the series against Sri Lanka helped South Africa in delivering dominant performances, ?highlighting their depth and resilience.

Also READ: Keshav Maharaj’s stunning fifer secures?? clean sweep for South Africa in final Test a??gainst Sri Lanka

India’s qualification scenarios for the WTC final

South Africa’s commanding series win over Sri Lanka has significantly influenced India’s position in the ICC WTC standings. India currently occupies third place on the table with a PCT of 57.29, following their defeat to Australia in Adelaide. The loss to their arch-rivals has intensified the pressure on India to perform flawlessly in the remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

With the series level at 1-1, India cannot afford any further setbacks if they aim to control their destiny in the WTC race. This development has placed India in a critical situation, where every match result could determine their qualifi?cation prospects. The recent shake-up in the standings, driven by South Africa’s rise to the top with a PCT of 63.33, means India must now surpass not only Australia, who slipped to second place with a PCT of 60.71, but also the resurgent Proteas.

India’s chances of making the WTC final depend heavily on the outcome of their remaining matches in the BGT against Australia. If India wins all three remaining Tests, their PCT will rise to 64.04, enough to surpass Australia even if the latter wins their series against Sri Lanka 2-0. Alternatively, India can still qualify by winning two Tests and drawing one, which would also place them above Australia. However, any further loss in the series would complicate India’s qualification, as their PCT would fall below Australia’s. In such a scenario, India’s ?fate would hinge on Sri Lanka defeating Australia 2-0 in their upcoming series, adding uncertainty to their path.

Sri Lanka’s diminished hopes

Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series defeat against South Africa has severely dented their chances of making the WTC final. While they remain in the race mathematically, their position at fourth on the table with a PCT of 45.45 puts them in a precarious situation. To have any chance of qualify??ing, Sri Lanka will need to win all their remaining matches and hope for favorable outcomes in other series, particularly those involving Australia and India. Despite the setback, Sri Lanka’s fight in the first Test and their moments of resilience in the second. demonstrate their potential to cause upsets in the final stages of the WTC cycle.

ALSO WATCH: Kyle Verreyn??ne’s stunning catch sends Kamindu Mendis packing on Day 4 of the second Test? | SA vs SL

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.