World Test Championship: South Africa’s ascent on table worrying sign for India

South Africa have climbed one spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table after whitewashing Bangladesh away from home 2-0 on Thursday, October 31 at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram.

The Aiden Markram-led side beat the hosts by an innings and 273 runs in the second Test and registered their biggest victory in the history of Test cricket. Following their win, South Africa have climbed one spot higher to be on the fourth spot on the WTC Points Table. The Proteas are now sitting on the fourth spot with four wins from eight matches having a points percentage of 54.17%. On the other hand, Bangladesh are languishing on the eighth spot on the points table with three wins from ten matches having points percentage of 27.50%.

Following their win, South Africa have a great chance of making it to their first ever final of the World Test Championship (WTC) as they have two series remaining in the current cycle. They will be taking on Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series beginning from November 27 followed by two Tests against Pakistan beginning from December 26.

The massive advantage for South Africa is that both the series will be played at their home where they will start as firm favourites over both oppositions. If South Africa end up winning all of their four remaining matches, they will finish with points percentage of 69.44 which will prove to be enough to make it to the final.

Australia and India in a neck and neck battle

On the other hand, three wins and a loss will see them finish with 61.11%. Hence, India will have to compete with Australia to make it to the final. The Rohit Sharma-led side is currently on the top spot with eight wins from 13 matches having a points percentage of 62.82%.

They’re closely followed by Australia who’re on the second spot with eight wins from 12 matches having a points percentage of 62.50%. India have six matches remaining in the ongoing cycle including the ongoing third Test vs New Zealand while Australia have seven matches remaining.

India need at least four wins in their remaining six matches to finish with a points percentage of 64.03 while Australia need five wins from seven matches to overtake India and finish with points percentage of 65.78. Hence, India desperately need to beat Australia in the upcoming Border Gavaskar Trophy to keep their third consecutive WTC final qualification chances alive or else they will see themselves being out of contention.