With just over nine months left, the race to secure a spot in the final is intensifying as multiple teams vie for the top two positions in the WTC standings.
After a historic series win against Pakistan, Bangladesh are now a serious contender, while India and Australia remain the favorites to repeat their 2023 final clash.Teams like New Zealand, England, and South Africa are also in the running for a place in the final showdown at the prestigious Lord’s Cricket Ground.
World Test Championship 2025: Standings and predictions for teams
1. India, the two-time finalists, currently lead the WTC standings with 68.52% of the possible points. With a strong desire to finally claim the WTC title, India have ten matches left, including crucial series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia. The outcome of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia could be pivotal in securing their place in the final. India’s best possible finish for this WTC cycle is 85.09%.
2. Australia, the reigning champions, have a shot at making another final appearance with 62.50% of the possible points. They have seven matches left, including a highly anticipated series against India. Australia aim to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and secure their spot in the final. Their previous successes against India in major tournaments add to their motivation. Australia can potentially finish the cycle with 76.32% of the points.
3. New Zealand, the 2021 WTC winners, are currently at 50% of the possible points and face a challenging road ahead. They have a difficult series lineup with away games against Sri Lanka and India, followed by a home series against England. To stay in contention for a spot in the final, New Zealand need significant success in these matches. The best possible finish for New Zealand can be 78.57%.
4. Bangladesh, standing at 45.83% of the possible points, have surged into the top four after an impressive clean sweep over Pakistan. Their chances hinge on crucial home matches against South Africa and away series against India and West Indies. Bangladesh’s best possible finish is 75%.
5. England, with 45.83% of the possible points as well, has had mixed outcomes with their aggressive ‘BazBall’ style. They could benefit from Australia and India dropping points in their respective series. England’s performance in upcoming tours to Pakistan and New Zealand will be crucial. England can reach up to 62.50% of the possible points by the end of the WTC cycle.
6. With 38.89% of the potential points, South Africa are still in the hunt for a final berth despite setbacks against India and New Zealand. Upcoming matches against Bangladesh and home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan offer opportunities for improvement. South Africa could finish with 69.44% of the points if they maximize their opportunities.
7. Sri Lanka have a lower chance of making a significant impact, currently holding 33.33% of the possible points. Their path includes home series against New Zealand and Australia and away series against South Africa, making it a tough road. Sri Lanka’s best possible finish is 53.06%.
8. Pakistan have 19.05% of the possible points and face a rebuilding phase ahead. Challenging home series against England and an away series against South Africa make their path to the final difficult. Their best possible finish stands at 59.52%.
9. With 18.52% of the possible points, West Indies have had a tough WTC cycle. They conclude their campaign with home matches against Bangladesh and an away series against Pakistan. The best possible finish for the West Indies is 43.59%.
The final stretch of the WTC cycle promises intense competition, with teams battling for the chance to play in the historic Lord’s final and lift the coveted mace.
