Melbourne: The Boxing Day cricketing spectacle includes two notable Test matches, which are slated to be played on December 26, 2024. Apart from the much-awaited battle of skills between India and Australia in Melbourne, South Africa will play host to Pakistan in a match at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Both games carry the significance of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings affecting them, ultimately leaving a mark on the WTC final lineup slated for June 2025.
The clash of India and Australia is significant for both sides as they struggle to hold on to their respective WTC final spots. On the other hand, the match between South Africa and Pakistan has particular importance for the former, as the hosts still have an opportunity to qualify for the WTC final. Nevertheless, Pakistan is already ruled out of the race.
Current Standings and Possible Changes
The current WTC points table has South Africa leading with a 63.33 percent. If they defeat Pakistan, their score will increase to 66.67, which will firmly establish them as the leaders. Meanwhile, India is in the third position with a total of 55.88 points, and a win at Melbourne would elevate them to second place and boost their percentage to 58.33. Australia now owns second place with 58.89 points, but if they lose against India, they may drop to third.
In case India loses to Pakistan in Melbourne, they are likely to encounter a major setback that could cut their points down to 52.78, though they will still remain in third place. In the event of South Africa losing to Pakistan, they would risk dropping to second place, which in turn would let India come in the first position.
In a situation where both matches end in a tie, India will still keep their third position with a percentage of 54.78.
Consequences of the Game
The results of these matches can potentially bring about a radical transformation in the WTC position; the scenarios are as follows:
If India wins, they go to second place while South Africa improves its position on top.
As for the Australian side, they may lose and drop to third place.
If both matches are tied, the standings remain quite unchanged.
As the time builds up for these crucial games, supporters and experts will be keeping a keen but watchful eye on the moves of the matches on their road to the WTC final.
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