Rohit Sharma-led Team India saved themselves from a possible defeat at The Gabba, Brisbane after an inspired tenth-wicket partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep, together with rain delays, helped India get away with a draw in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Wednesday, December 18. (Day 5 Highlights | Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
The draw in the third Test did not help India much as their PCT dropped to 55.88 whereas Australia's fell to 58.89 - with the reigning champions consolidating the second spot in the WTC table. South Africa are atop the WTC table thanks to their win in the second Test in Gqeberha.
The two-time WTC runners-up have two more Tests to play in the current cycle and book their spot in the final next year at Lord's. The Proteas and the Aussies, though are in the driver's seat, with Tests against Pakistan (Home) and Sri Lanka (Away), respectively.
What India Needs To Do To Qualify For WTC Final?
Team India needs to win the remaining two Tests, in Melbourne and Sydney, that will raise their PCT to 60.52. That will see Pat Cummins' side fall behind in the race even if they win their away series 2-0 against Sri Lanka.
If India can manage a win and a draw in their next two Tests, they can also finish above Australia, given that Sri Lanka draw at least one Test to the Aussies in their home series.
However, India lose one of their two Tests then they will have to rely on Sri Lanka to beat the Australians 2-0.
As for the Proteas, they can seal the spot in the WTC final by winning in its remaining two Tests. However, if they lose both their Test matches to Pakistan, then Rohit Sharma-led side need atleast one victory, with Sri Lanka vs Australia series result deciding the other finalist.
