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Aiden Markram-led South Africa defeated Bangladesh in the first Test match by seven wickets at Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka. This was Proteas' first Test win in Asia after 2014. With this win South Africa jumped to number four in ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings.
With their recent victory, the Proteas raised their points percentage to 47.62, moving ahead of New Zealand and England to secure fourth place in the standings.
In contrast, Bangladesh's defeat lowered their points percentage to 30.56, leaving them in seventh place, while India and Australia remain firmly in the top two positions.
New Zealand's path for WTC Final
New Zealand are now fifth in the points table tally with a win percentage of 44.44. New Zealand now has to play two Tests against India and then a three-Test series at home against England. If New Zealand has to go to the WTC final, then it will have to win all five matches. Only then can the doors of the final open for them.
How South Africa's win against Bangladesh impacted India's chances of WTC final
To secure a place in the final without depending on other outcomes, India needs to achieve at least four wins and one draw in their remaining seven matches. This would elevate their points percentage to 65.79%, likely ensuring their spot in the final.
However, if India fails to win at least four Tests, their chances could diminish significantly. If they only manage four wins without any draws, their points percentage would drop to 64.04%, allowing teams like Australia, South Africa, and even Sri Lanka to potentially surpass them. For instance, South Africa could reach 69.44% if they win all their remaining matches.
Australia, currently in second with a points percentage of 62.50%, also find themselves under pressure. If they achieve four wins and one draw, they could end up with a points percentage of 62.28%, keeping them in the race for a final spot. However, any slip-ups could see them fall behind India and possibly South Africa, depending on other results.
Sri Lanka, sitting in third with a points percentage of 55.56%, are still in the running. If they can secure a series of wins, they might finish with a points percentage over 67%. However, this would likely come at the cost of points for either Australia or South Africa, indirectly aiding India by reducing the chances of both rivals reaching the top two positions.
