New Zealand needs one Draw/Win to Top the ICC WTC Table, followed by India and Australia

NZ vs PAK Test Series: New Zealand’s win in the first Test against Pakistan has made the probable contenders to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be played in June 2021 at the famous Lord’s Cricket Stadium, U.K. Interestingly, Team India is double absolute points than Pakistan. India and Australia and New Zealand are battling for the finals to be played this year.

New Zealand is now placed third with 360 points and 0.667 percentage points (66.7%). If the Black Caps can secure at least a draw with Pakistan (NZ vs PAK) in the second Test in Christchurch, they will acclaim the top spot of the MRF ICC Test Team Rankings for the first time in their history. The top two teams on the table will contest the final at Lord's.

The Kiwis consolidated their third spot with a 101-run win over Pakistan in the first Test on Wednesday. New Zealand earned 60 points for the win and now have a winning percentage of 66.7. Moreover, India’s emphatic 8-wicket win over Australia in the second Test at MCG helped them retain the second spot in the WTC standings.

2️⃣ days to go until the second #NZvPAK Test gets underway 📆

If New Zealand can secure at least a draw they will go 🔝 of the @MRFWorldwide ICC Test Team Rankings for the first time in their history 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/igGBRLSkR2

— ICC (@ICC) January 1, 2021

India bagged 30 points from MCG Test and now has 390 points and 72.2 % of points. While, Australia have 322 points with a 76.6 percentage, which was a result of a penalty they faced due to maintaining a slow over-rate in the Boxing Day Test.

Where does Team India stand at the WTC table?

Indian cricket team still has the highest absolute points, 390, followed by New Zealand, 360, and Australia, 322. And yet, India is placed second because their PCT, 0.722 (72.2%), is lower than that of Australia’s, 0.766 (76.6%).

Interestingly, India will play six more Tests in this World Test Championship cycle, two in Australia and four at home against England. Four wins, or three wins and three draws will secure their qualification for the WTC finals.