Test Championship: India’s Loss Boosts Pakistan’s Chances!
The picture has changed in a few days. Before the New Zealand series, India was at the top of the World Test Championship points table. Although they are still in the lead, back-to-back losses to New Zealand have narrowed the gap.
Meanwhile, Pakistan was at the bottom of the points table, but after defeating England 2-1, they have jumped from ninth to seventh place. India’s recent losses have suddenly presented an opportunity for Shan Masood’s team to potentially make it to the World Test Championship final.
However, to achieve this, Pakistan must first win their remaining four Test matches. They are scheduled to play two Tests against South Africa at home and two against the West Indies at home. Winning all four of these matches would give Pakistan a points percentage of 52.38, and the top two teams in terms of points percentage qualify for the final.
But it won’t be enough for Pakistan to only win their own matches. Other teams will also need to lose. Pakistan is currently behind India, Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa, and England. England has no remaining matches, but the other five teams would need to lose key games, lowering their points and giving Pakistan a chance to finish among the top two. However, the chances are slim.
Just as Pakistan’s chances for the final have increased, India is now feeling the pressure. They are still at the top, but Rohit Sharma’s team has one more Test against New Zealand, followed by a five-Test series in Australia.
To secure their spot, India needs to win at least four out of these six Tests and draw the other two. But if they lose, they will face even more pressure, and their hopes might sink just when they are within reach of the final.
