The second match of the three-match Test series between India and New Zealand is underway at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune. So far, India’s performance in this match hasn’t been impressive. In their first innings, the Indian team was bowled out for 156 runs, while New Zealand scored 256 runs in their first innings, gaining a 103-run lead.
By stumps on the second day (October 25), New Zealand had scored 198 runs for the loss of five wickets in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 301 runs. At this point, the Pune Test seems to be slipping out of India’s hands. To win, India’s batsmen will need to put in a strong effort in the fourth innings. However, batting in the fourth innings on the Pune pitch won’t be easy.
Will Team India Be Out of the WTC Final Race?
Fans are now wondering what will happen if India loses or draws the Pune Test. Will India be out of the race for the World Test Championship (WTC) final? The answer is no. However, a loss in the Pune Test could make India’s path to the final a bit more challenging.
Currently, India is at the top of the WTC points table (2023-25) with 98 points from 12 matches, having won eight, lost three, and drawn one. Their points percentage stands at 68.06. Australia is in second place with 90 points from 12 matches (eight wins, three losses, one draw) and a points percentage of 62.50. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is in third place with 60 points from nine matches and a points percentage of 55.56. South Africa, New Zealand, and England hold the fourth, fifth, and sixth positions, respectively. Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the West Indies are at seventh, eighth, and ninth.
After the Pune Test, India has six more matches to play in this WTC cycle. India will need to win at least three of these six remaining matches to stay in contention for the final. Winning four matches would almost guarantee them a place in the final. However, if they only win three, India might need to rely on the results of other teams. If India loses, they would need to win the remaining matches. India’s next six matches are against New Zealand and Australia – with one more match left in the current series against New Zealand, followed by a five-match Test series in Australia.