The World Test Championship (WTC) games have approached its climax stages which saw South Africa, India and Australia primed as favourites to finish in the top 2.

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South Africa have now become the first team to confirm their spot in the WTC final 2025 at the Lord’s following their win in the first match against Pakistan. 

The Sporting News takes a look at the qualification scenario for all nine teams if they are to qualify for the final of the WTC 2023-25 cycle. 

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Latest updated World Test Championship points table

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Qualification scenarios for all teams in WTC 2023-25

South Africa (QUALIFIED TO FINAL)

The Proteas became the first side to confirm spot to the WTC Final 2025 at the Lord’s .

They had a great start to their WTC campaign, winning the first game against India by an innings and 32 runs. However, they proceeded to lose three games on the trot.

The South Africans then pulled things back with a draw and a win against West Indies, away from home followed by 2 wins in Bangladesh and a series whiteash win against Sri Lanka.

The Proteas played 10 matches and won 7 while drawing 1 and losing 3. 

South Africa’s remaining series/games

• South Africa vs Pakistan – 1 Matches (H)

Chances of Qualification – 100%

India

India, following their win at Perth’s Optus Stadium found some ray of hope after a 3-0 series loss at home against New Zealand.

However, two losses and a draw in the next 3 matches means they will have to rely on other SL vs AUS series results.

As it stands, they must win their 5th BGT Test at Sydney and hope Sri Lanka win both their home Tests against Australia, in January.

India’s remaining series/games

• India vs Australia – 1 Matches (A)

Wins required from 1 match: 1 win (and depend on SL vs AUS result)

Chance of Qualification – 15%

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Australia

The current WTC champions, Australia have maintained their second position in the points table, after win at Adelaide, followed a draw and a win in the next two Tests (Gabba, MCG).

With 3 games left, including SCG Test vs India, Australia need to win at just 1 of those matches to remain in the top 2 of the WTC standings.

Australia’s remaining series/games

• Australia vs India – 1 matches (H)
• Australia vs Sri Lanka – 2 Matches (A)

Wins required from 3 matches: 1

Chance of Qualification – 90%

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have played eleven games in the WTC 2023-25 cycle so far. The Lankan Lions so far have won five and lost six games.

They lost the three-match series 1-2 against England and then won the two-match home series against New Zealand with 2-0.

However, a loss against South Africa in the 2-match series meant that Sri Lanka’s chances have slimmed, but they are not out.

They have two games remaining in their cycle and will have to secure victory in both games and hope the India vs Australia, 5th Test at Sydney ends in a draw or without result, if they are to have a chance of playing in the final. 

Sri Lanka remaining series/games

• Sri Lanka vs Australia – 2 Matches (H)

Wins required from 2 matches: 2 (and depend on other teams)

Chances of Qualification – 10%

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England

England by far have played the most games compared to any of the other teams in the current WTC cycle. Ben Stokes’ side have played 20 games so far, winning 10 and losing 9.

The Englishmen, despite themselves not standing a chance, dampened New Zealand’s chances to go through to the final with an 8-wicket win over the Kiwis at Christchurch.

Chances of Qualification – 0%

MORE: WTC 2024/25 Updated Points table

New Zealand

The Black Caps have won seven and lost seven games in the competition with just one game remaining.

Despite coming into a home series with a chance to go through, they conceded defeat to the English in both Christchurch and Wellington, making their chances for the WTC final zero.

New Zealand’s remaining series/games

Wins required from 0 matches: N/A

Chance of Qualification – 0%

Pakistan

Seventh-placed team Pakistan have played nine games in the ongoing WTC cycle so far. They have won four and lost six. Their recent series loss (3-0) came against Australia, a 2-0 whitewash loss at home to Bangladesh, and the Multan Test loss has caused a huge setback to their chances.

Despite a massive 152-run and 9-wicket win in the second and third Tests of the series against England has not helped their chances much.

Their qualification for the WTC 2025 final is tough, considering that they will play South Africa away from home next. 

Pakistan’s remaining series/games

• Pakistan vs South Africa – 1 Matches (A)
• Pakistan vs West Indies – 2 Matches (H)

Wins required from 4 matches: N/A

Chances of Qualification – 0%

Bangladesh

Bangladesh are currently ranked eighth in the table, after jumping two one spot higher after beating Pakistan 2-0 in the Away Tests series.

However, it has not changed their fate as they had earlier lost 0-2 to Sri Lanka, 0-2 to India and followed by a 0-2 series loss to South Africa.

Bangladesh have only a negligible chance of making it to the WTC 2025 final, needing four wins out of their remaining 0 matches, which rules them out mathematically.

Chances of Qualification – 0%

West Indies

West Indies are currently placed at the bottom of the table with just two wins in 11 games in the WTC. Their recent 3-0 drubbing against England away has put them out of contention to qualify for the final.

Even if they manage to win all of their remaining 2 games in the campaign, they would still be far off from qualifying.

West Indies remaining series/games

• West Indies vs Pakistan – 2 Matches (A)

Wins required from 2 matches: N/A

Chances of Qualification – 0%