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 triumph in Wellington, New Zealand moved very close to the top spot in the Test rankings, just 0.086 points behind Australia.Although the joy was momentarily tarnished by an error in the ICC’s prediction tool, which initially placed New Zealand at the top, the correct ranking was subsequently clarified, confirming Australia in first place.Australia could cement its lead if it wins the home series against India. However, New Zealand’s two victories over the West Indies earned them 300 WTC points, accumulated in four series during the current cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021.If New Zealand repeats the 2-0 result against Pakistan, it will add 420 points in five series.This means India will need 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 circumstances of the pandemic, the ICC modified the classification criteria, changing from absolute points to a percentage of points disputed.Currently, Australia leads the WTC table with 82.2% of the points won. Even a 2-2 draw against India would keep them at the top with 74.17%, while a 1-2 defeat would reduce their percentage to 70.If New Zealand defeats Pakistan in both Test matches, it will finish with 84 points per series played, or 70% of the points at stake.India, with 360 points in four series, must surpass 504 points in its remaining series against Australia and England to overtake New Zealand.Each remaining Test victory for India will be worth 30 points, while draws will award 10 points. They need five victories, or four victories and three draws, to surpass New Zealand.Australia’s position at number 1 could be consolidated or threatened, depending on the results of the India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Pakistan series.
New Zealand presses India for Cricket World Cup final at Lord’s
