New Delhi: In what came as a huge setback for India, Day 1 of the first Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru was washed out without a ball being bowled due to persistent rain. The washout came as a big blow to India’s ambition of qualifying for a third straight World Test Championship (WTC) final. The weather forecast is far from promising for the remaining 4 days of the Test match and it is not good news for the hosts.
Rain is predicted on the remaining 4 days of the match which can lead to a complete washout which would mean the game will end in a draw with the two teams sharing the points. However, India would be desperately hoping for the rain to relent as they need a positive result in the Test match to boost their chances of qualifying for the WTC 2023-25 final.
India need to win the three-match series against New Zealand 3-0 to be nearly assured of a spot in the WTC final before heading to Australia for a five-match Test series later this year. India are currently on the top of the WTC points table with a win percentage of 74.24 after 8 wins, 2 losses and a draw from 11 matches in the ongoing 2023-25 cycle so far.
Rohit Sharma & Co. are one of the favourites to finish in the top two spots on the WTC table and secure a spot in the final. However, they face intense competition from the likes of Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa. Australia are currently in the 2nd spot on the WTC points table with a win percentage of 62.50 followed by Sri Lanka, who have a win percentage of 55.56.
How a washout in in Bengaluru will impact India’s WTC final chances?
India currently have 8 Test matches remaining in the cycle, including the ongoing encounter against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Rohit & Co. need to win at least three Tests and draw one to be assured of finishing with a win percentage of over 60% which might be enough for them to qualify for the final. However, just staying over 60 in the PCT column won’t guarantee India a spot in the final.
To be completely assured of a place in the summit clash, India need to win at least 4 of their remaining 8 matches and earn two draws which will help them finish with a PCT of 67.54, which is certain to be enough to confirm their spot in the final. Thus, India would want to secure three of those 4 victories in the ongoing three-match series against New Zealand to inch closer to the final.
However, if the 1st Test in Bengaluru gets washed out and results in a draw between the two teams, it will hurt the hosts’ chances of qualifying by costing them crucial points. If the 1st Test is washed out, India will not only have to win the remaining two Tests against New Zealand but also secure at least two victories against Australia Down Under to be assured of a spot in the final.
Australia strong contenders to qualify for WTC final
Australia, who are also strong contenders to make it to the WTC final, have seven Test matches remaining in the cycle. The Aussies currently have a win percentage of 62.50 and seven wins in their remaining seven matches will help them finish with a PCT of 76.31 which will be more than enough for them to secure a spot in the final.
Australia need to win at least 4 matches of their remaining 7 to finish with a PCT of above 60 which will keep them in the hunt for a spot in the final. If they win five Tests, they will finish with a PCT of over 65 which should be enough for them to be assured of a place in the top two.
