New Zealand close to the World Test Championship final
New Zealand’s recent victory over the West Indies puts them in a favorable position to reach the final of the World Test Cricket Championship (WTC), which will be played in June 2021 at Lord’s.
New Zealand was on the verge of reaching the top spot in the Test rankings, finishing just 0.086 points behind Australia, after their victory in Wellington. After the match, the ICC’s prediction system showed New Zealand at the top of the table, generating some confusion. However, the ICC clarified in a tweet that Australia remained in first place with 116.461 rating points, while New Zealand had 116.375. The predictor subsequently reflected this ranking. Australia could extend their lead if they win the home series against India. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s two victories over the West Indies earned them 300 WTC points from four series in the current cycle, which ends on March 31, 2021. If New Zealand repeats the 2-0 result against Pakistan later in their summer, they will finish with 420 points from five series. This would mean that India would need five wins (or four wins and three draws) from their last eight Test matches (away against Australia and at home against England) to deny New Zealand a place in the WTC final at Lord’s. Due to the current situation, the ICC had to modify 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. If they manage a 2-2 draw against India, they will still lead with a percentage of 74.17%, but if they lose 1-2, their percentage will fall 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. India, currently with 360 points from four series played, will have played six series or 720 points when their series against Australia and England conclude. They will need to surpass 504 points to overtake New Zealand. Each of their remaining Test victories will be worth 30 points, and draws will earn them 10 points. They need five wins or four wins and three draws to surpass New Zealand. Regarding the rankings, depending on how the India vs. Australia and New Zealand vs. Pakistan series unfold, Australia could increase its lead at number 1 or concede ground to New Zealand.
