India consolidate their place at the top in WTC 2023-2025 points table

WTC 2023-25: India consolidate their place at the top in World Test Championship 2023-25 points table. Possible scenarios for India and others to make to WTC final.

WTC 2023-25: India top the World Test Championship table (Images: ©BCCI/Twitter)

The third edition of the World Test Championship (WTC) for the period between 2023-25 is currently underway. All 9 participating teams have played at least a series in this tourney.

WTC 2023-25 Points table 

Position	Team	Matches	Won	Lost	Draw	Points	PCT(%)
1	India	9	6	2	1	74	68.51
2	Australia	12	8	3	1	90	62.50
3	New Zealand	6	3	3	0	36	50.00
4	Bangladesh	2	1	1	0	12	50.00
5	Pakistan	5	2	3	0	22	36.66
6	West Indies	4	1	2	1	16	33.33
7	South Africa	4	1	3	0	12	25.00
8	England	10	3	6	1	21	17.50
9	Sri Lanka	2	0	2	0	0	0.00

India in a prime position to make it 3 WTC Finals in a row 

Team India who once again reclaimed their top position in ICC Test rankings have been the side to beat in the longest format of the game for quite some time now. Though the ICC trophy eluded them recently, including both WTC editions, India have been a dominant side as far as bilaterals are concerned, both home and away.

Even in the third WTC cycle, India began strongly as they are yet to lose a series. Their cycle began with a win in West Indies followed by a drawn series in South Africa. A 4-1 blanking of England saw them solidifying their top slot with 68.51 PCT.

With six wins in nine games, India are in a comfortable position to make the WTC Final once again with two home series yet to play. Those will be against New Zealand and Bangladesh, that India are expected to come on top. Their only challenge could be the tour of  Australia but India have beaten them on the last two occasions which will make India firm favorites to battle for the WTC glory.

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Chances for other sides:

Australia 

The reigning WTC Champions Australia have played the most matches (12) thus far, winning 8 of them. This includes a high-profile overseas tour of England and New Zealand apart from a couple of series at home.

While they endured a shock defeat at home against West Indies, the defending champions drew Ashes 2-2 in England last year. For them, the 5-Test home series against India later in 2024 will be important, thanks to the history between the sides.

Australia should see a stiff competition from both India and New Zealand to secure a Top 2 finish in the WTC cycle. As of now, they are second with 62.50%.

New Zealand

The other team which could be a strong contender in reaching the WTC Final are New Zealand. The inaugural champions have been a force to reckon in this format, posing a great challenge both home and overseas. 

Following their first ever series win against South Africa, the black caps are currently embroiled in a hard fought series at home versus Australia. They still have 2 big overseas tours coming up against India and Sri Lanka.

New Zealand are currently at 60 PCT after playing 5 games and a good showing in the coming games might see them pip Australia in the race.

Read More: IND vs ENG, 2024: Moments where England let things slip in the series

England will play Sri Lanka and West Indies at home (ImagesL ©englandcricket/Twitter)

England

England have had a mixed start to their WTC cycle as they drew 2-2 at home against Australia before being outclassed by India 4-1 away. Now with 2 series against top teams done, England can get a sigh of relief as their next two home series will be against West Indies and Sri Lanka. They are expected to win those and will be hopeful of doing well in the remaining two overseas tour against New Zealand and Pakistan.

So a comeback from England can’t be ruled out. They could become a strong contender after a couple of good series.

Pakistan

Pakistan may have accumulated just 36.66 PCT at present after 5 games, but they are yet to play a series at home. The teams scheduled to tour them are Bangladesh, England and West Indies. So they will be hopeful of being in the mix of the WTC Final race going forward. However, they’ll have to win a series or 2 at home.

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