Key scenarios for teams vying for World Test Championship spots

The World Test Championship 202325 standings are tightening with a mere 15 percent separating the top two teams India and Australia The prospect of a rematch of the 2023 title clash remains highly plausible Sri Lanka South Africa and New Zealand are also in contention for coveted spots in the top two which would secure a place in next yearrsquos oneoff Test at LordrsquosBelow is an overview as the World Test Championship 202325 approaches its climax India 628237 of possible pointsRemaining series New Zealand home one Test Australia away five TestsBest possible finish 745637The twotime World Test Championship runnersup looked strong for a spot in next yearrsquos final but consecutive setbacks at home against New Zealand have opened the door for rival teams Although Rohit Sharmas squad maintains a slender lead another loss in the third Test against the Black Caps would require them to win at least four out of five matches in Australia to ensure qualification as per ICC regulations Regardless of the outcome in Mumbai the upcoming fivematch series against Australia will be pivotal for Indiarsquos chances of reaching a third consecutive World Test Championship finalAlso ReadKarthik calls for seniors to own up to series loss Manjrekar defends Gambhir Australia 625037 of possible pointsRemaining series India home five Tests Sri Lanka away two TestsBest possible finish 763237Reigning World Test Championship winners Australia are on track for a second successive appearance in the final However Pat Cummins team must win at least four of their remaining seven Tests to defend their title One advantage Australia holds over India is their two Tests in Sri Lanka next year allowing them to potentially draw the series with India and still remain in contention Nevertheless they will be eager to reclaim the BorderGavaskar Trophy after over a decade Sri Lanka 555637 of possible pointsRemaining series South Africa away two Tests Australia home two TestsBest possible finish 692337A stunning victory over England in the third Test has rejuvenated Sri Lankarsquos hopes for a World Test Championship Final berth They will need to secure three wins from their remaining four Tests a challenging task with two Tests in South Africa followed by two at home against reigning champions Australia If Sri Lanka can secure a win in South Africa it could lead to a thrilling finish at home with the top two spots still undecidedAlso Read R Ashwin becomes top wickettaker in WTC New Zealand 5037 of possible pointsRemaining series India away one Test England home three TestsBest possible finish 642937New Zealandrsquos firstever series victory in India has provided a glimmer of hope for claiming a second World Test Championship title However they face a tough road ahead and will likely need to win all four remaining Tests to secure a toptwo finish necessitating series sweeps over India and England South Africa 476237 of possible pointsRemaining series Bangladesh away one Test Sri Lanka home two Tests Pakistan home two TestsBest possible finish 694437A first victory in the subcontinent in over a decade has bolstered South Africarsquos aspirations for next yearrsquos final They must replicate that success in the second Test against Bangladesh and win three of their four home matches later in the year The twomatch home series against Sri Lanka will be crucial as a clean sweep could enhance their chances while stifling Sri Lankas hopes England 407937 of possible pointsRemaining series New Zealand away three TestsBest possible finish 488637Following consecutive losses in Pakistan England has slipped out of contention for the final Ben Stokes side will aim to conclude the cycle positively with a series win in New Zealand Pakistan 333337 of possible pointsRemaining series South Africa away two Tests West Indies home two TestsBest possible finish 523837Under new coach Jason Gillespie Pakistan has achieved backtoback Test victories but remains outside the top two While they could theoretically finish with a high percentage it is unlikely to be sufficient for a final berth Bangladesh 305637 of possible pointsRemaining series South Africa home one Test West Indies away two TestsBest possible finish 479237The recent loss to South Africa at home has dashed Bangladeshs chances of reaching the final Winning their remaining matches would only yield a percentage insufficient for qualification West Indies 185237 of possible pointsRemaining series Bangladesh home two Tests Pakistan away two TestsBest possible finish 435937Apart from a surprising victory against Australia in Brisbane the West Indies have faced a disappointing second cycle in the World Test Championship After a dismal start against India they now look to salvage their campaign against Bangladesh and Pakistan