New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies has boosted their aspirations to reach the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), which will be held at Lord’s in June 2021.Following their victory in Wellington, New Zealand moved very close to the top spot in the Test rankings, just 0.086 points behind Australia.However, the situation generated some confusion, as the ICC’s prediction tool initially showed New Zealand at the top. Subsequently, the ICC clarified that Australia maintained the first position with 116.461 rating points, while New Zealand had 116.375.Australia could cement its leadership if it wins the home series against India. For its part, New Zealand added 300 WTC points after four series in the current cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021.If New Zealand repeats the 2-0 result against Pakistan, it will finish with 420 points in five series.This would leave India needing five wins, or four wins and three draws, in their last eight Test matches (away against Australia and at home against England) to prevent New Zealand from reaching the WTC final at Lord’s.Due to the current circumstances, the ICC modified the classification criteria, moving from absolute points to a percentage of points disputed.Australia currently leads the WTC table with 82.2% of the points won. Even if they draw 2-2 against India, they will maintain the lead with 74.17%. If they lose 1-2, their percentage will drop to 70%.New Zealand, if they win both matches against Pakistan, will finish with 84 points per series played, or 70% of the points played.India, which currently has 360 points after four series, will need to surpass 504 points to surpass New Zealand’s 84 points per series or 70% of the points contested. Each remaining Test victory will be worth 30 points and draws 10.Depending on how the India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Pakistan series turn out, Australia could extend its lead in first place or cede ground to New Zealand.
New Zealand Presses India: Cricket World Cup Final at Lord’s
