New Zealand close to the final of the World Test Cricket Championship
The recent victory of New Zealand over the West Indies gives them a high probability of reaching the final of the World Test Cricket Championship (WTC), scheduled for June 2021 at Lord’s. After their triumph in Wellington, New Zealand was just a few points away from first place in the Test Cricket ranking, being only 0.086 points behind Australia.However, the situation generated some confusion. For several hours after the match, the ICC’s prediction tool showed New Zealand at the top of the table. Subsequently, the ICC clarified via Twitter that Australia maintained first place 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, the two victories over the West Indies gave New Zealand 300 WTC points in four series of the current cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021. If New Zealand repeats the 2-0 result against Pakistan, it will accumulate 420 points in five series. This implies that India will need to secure 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 situation, the ICC modified the classification criteria, moving from absolute points to a percentage of points contested. Australia currently leads the WTC table with 82.2% of the points won. If they manage a 2-2 draw against India, they will maintain the lead with 74.17%. If they lose 1-2, their percentage will drop to 70%. If New Zealand wins both matches against Pakistan, it will finish with 84 points per series played, or 70% of the points played. When India completes its series against Australia and England, it will have played six series, or 720 points. It will need to surpass 504 points to exceed New Zealand’s score of 84 points per series, or 70% of the points played. Each remaining victory in the Tests will be worth 30 points, and draws will contribute 10 points. With five victories, or four victories and three draws, they will surpass New Zealand. Regarding the rankings, depending on the results of the India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Pakistan series, Australia could consolidate its lead or cede ground to New Zealand.
