In the ICC World Test Championship (WTC), points are awarded to teams based on match outcomes within a series, with the aim of maintaining balanced competition among Test-playing nations, even if some teams play more matches than others. Each Test series in the WTC is allocated a maximum of 120 points, regardless of the number of matches played. This ensures fairness across varying series lengths, as the points per match change depending on the series length. For example, a two-match series will have 60 points available per win, while a three-match series awards 40 points per win.
If a match is drawn, teams receive a third of the win points. For instance, in a three-match series, each team would earn 13.33 points in case of a draw. Ties result in both teams splitting the win points evenly. To ensure competitiveness and avoid incentivizing draws, a win is significantly rewarded, while a drawn match brings in fewer points.
The WTC standings are determined by each team’s “Points Percentage” (PCT), calculated as the percentage of points won out of the total points contested. This measure accounts for differences in the number of matches played by each team, making it a fair metric to decide the top two teams who compete in the WTC final
India’s Road to the World Test Championship Final: An Uphill Battle with Australia and South Africa in the Race
India’s chances of reaching the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final rest on a competitive set of remaining fixtures, primarily their ongoing home series against New Zealand and a crucial upcoming tour to Australia. After a 0-2 series deficit to New Zealand, India’s path is challenging but feasible if they can maximize points in their remaining matches.
To improve their position, India must ideally win all remaining Tests against New Zealand to prevent further decline in their points percentage (PCT), a key metric in WTC standings. Following this series, the pressure will increase as they face Australia away. Winning at least three out of five matches in Australia would be critical, given Australia’s current strong standing near the top of the WTC ranking.
Australia is one of the strongest contenders for a WTC final spot, with favorable odds thanks to their solid record and upcoming home games. South Africa, meanwhile, has a slightly easier path with fixtures against teams like Sri Lanka and Pakistan. This trio—India, Australia, and South Africa—currently forms the main contest for the two available spots in the WTC final, but India’s qualification is achievable with a robust performance in the remaining games.
If India can capitalize on home advantage in their remaining New Zealand match and bring resilience to the Australian series, they may yet secure a place in the final, provided South Africa and Australia also have challenging results in their fixtures.
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