Published - | Updated - February 20, 2023 08:52 am
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India defeated Australia by six wickets on Sunday, moving one step closer to securing their spot in the June 7 match at The Oval, changing the course of the fight for qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final. The second Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy epitomised the ebb and flow that has been present throughout the World Test Championship (WTCtwo )’s years of intense competition in the longest format, with both sides vying for control of the match before Rohit Sharma’s men prevailed on a dramatic day in Delhi. The outcome nevertheless ensures that Australia and India control their own destiny as they advance to the June Final as the top two teams in the WTC rankings.
the ICC stated in an announcement that the competition would soon come to an end.
India increased the distance between themselves and third place owing to their victory in Delhi, rising to 64.06%, while Australia still holds the top spot despite the loss down their percentage tally to 66.67%.
India’s victory reduces the field of teams eligible to advance to the Final from four to three. Sri Lanka is the only contender for a spot in the Final after South Africa withdraws from the race after failing to achieve the percentage points necessary to move into the top two.
At 53.33%, Sri Lanka is now in third place. They will travel to New Zealand the following month knowing that, in addition to winning both of their two-match Test series, they also need India and Australia to perform well in the remaining Tests if they are to have any hope of qualifying.
On March 1, the third Test between India and Australia will begin in Indore. A win for the hosts would guarantee them a spot at The Oval. Australia will be the first team to qualify for the WTC Final if they manage anything less
The race for qualification promises to be even more tense and exciting with so much still up for grabs before the top two teams enter the field on June 7 with the coveted ICC WTC Mace and a spot in history on the line.
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