South Africa became the first team to qualify for the WTC 2025 Final after defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Chasing a target of 148, South Africa was in trouble at 99/8.
However, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen put on an unbeaten 51-run partnership to seal the win. With this victory, South Africa secured their place in the WTC 2025 Final, leaving only one spot remaining for the other teams to compete for.
South Africa Qualifies for WTC 2025 Final
South Africa became the first team to qualify for the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) final after beating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test match at SuperSport Park, Centurion. South Africa needed to chase a target of 148 runs.
However, they were in a tough spot at 99/8, meaning they only had two wickets left. But Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, two of South Africa’s key players, managed to form an unbeaten partnership of 51 runs, helping their team win the match. With this victory, South Africa became the first team to book their place in the WTC 2025 final, leaving just one spot open for the other teams to fight for.
At present, South Africa sits comfortably at the top of the WTC standings, with seven wins in 11 matches. Their points percentage stands at 66.67%, which puts them in a strong position. Australia, India, and Sri Lanka are now competing for the second spot in the final.
India is currently in third place, having won nine of their 17 matches, with a points percentage of 55.88%. To qualify directly for the WTC final, India must win their remaining two Tests against Australia in the ongoing series.
However, if India draws the ongoing Test in Melbourne and then wins the next Test in Sydney, their points percentage will rise to 57.017%. In this case, India will need Australia to draw at least one match in their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. This would keep Australia’s points percentage at 55.26%, which would allow India to qualify for the WTC 2025 final instead of Australia.
Also Read: ICC Announces First Shortlist for Emerging Cricketers of the Year Awards 2024
Chances of WTC Final Qualification
Sri Lanka’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final depend on other results going in their favor. Currently in fifth place, Sri Lanka has five wins from 11 matches, with a points percentage of 45.45%.
To have a shot at qualification, they need to win their final Test series against Australia 2-0, which would raise their points percentage to 53.84%. Additionally, Sri Lanka must hope that both remaining matches between India and Australia end in a draw.
For Australia, if they draw both remaining games against India, they will need to win at least one game against Sri Lanka. If Australia wins both remaining games against India, they will qualify directly for the final. Alternatively, if they win one and draw the other against India, two draws against Sri Lanka will also be enough for them to secure a spot in the final.
Also Read: Rohit Sharma Confirmed as India’s Captain for Champions Trophy, WTC Final 2025
FAQs
Q.1. Who became the first team to qualify for the WTC 2025 final?
Ans. South Africa became the first team to qualify after defeating Pakistan by two wickets in the first Test.
Q.2. What is the current qualification scenario for India in the WTC?
Ans. India needs to win their remaining two Tests against Australia to qualify directly for the WTC final.
Q.3. How can Sri Lanka qualify for the WTC 2025 final?
Ans. Sri Lanka needs to win their final Test series against Australia 2-0 and hope for draws in India-Australia matches.
Q.4. What are the chances for Australia to qualify for the WTC final?
Ans. Australia can qualify by winning at least one Test against India and drawing two against Sri Lanka, or by winning both matches against India.
Q.5. How can South Africa secure a place in the WTC final?
Ans. South Africa has already qualified after their win against Pakistan, topping the WTC standings with seven wins from 11 matches.
