India vs Australia: Keys to the Cricket World Cup Final

Australia vs India: A Key Duel with Major Implications

The series between Australia and India is a major event, but with the World Test Championship final on the horizon in June, the importance rises significantly for both teams. New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in third place in the championship table. If they maintain their good performance against Pakistan, both Australia and India will have to work hard to stay above them.

India’s Path to Classification

India has played four series, accumulating 360 points with a percentage of 75%. They have two series remaining in the current cycle, against Australia and England, both of four matches. If New Zealand gets all possible points against Pakistan, their total will rise to 420, with a percentage of 70%. India must surpass this percentage to secure its position.

To achieve this, India needs at least 150 points out of the 240 available in these two series. This can be achieved by winning five matches, or by winning four and drawing three.

Given India’s excellent home record, they have a good chance of getting all the points against England. This means they will need at least one win, or three draws, in the four matches in Australia to reach 150 points.

For example, if India loses to Australia by a margin of 1-2, they will need 110 points from the series against England. The only way to reach 110 points would be by winning all four matches.

The Situation in Australia

Australia, with three series played, has a total of 296 points and a percentage of 82.22%. They need to surpass 420 points to have a percentage higher than 70%, if the series against South Africa takes place. If the series against South Africa is canceled, their goal will be to surpass 336 points. The series against South Africa is expected to be three matches.

Despite injury concerns, Australia remains in a strong position thanks to accumulated points. If the series against India ends 2-2, Australia will have 356 points and a percentage of 74.17%. Even a 1-0 series against South Africa would take them to 422 points. If they lose 1-2 against India, Australia will need a 2-0 victory against South Africa to stay above 70%.