Pressure builds on Team India as South Africa Almost Confirmed their Ticket to WTC Final

South Africa started the current cycle of the World Test Championship (WTC) poorly. They were at the bottom of the points table with just one win from the first five matches. But after that he made a tremendous comeback, winning five consecutive Test matches, including a clean sweep against Sri Lanka.

South Africa's performance

South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 109 runs at St. George's Park, Gakebarha on Monday. In this match, Keshav Maharaj took five wickets to smash Sri Lanka's lower order. With this win, South Africa topped the WTC table with 63.33% points and almost confirmed their chances of reaching the final at Lord's.

South Africa need just one win from their last two matches, which they can achieve in the home series against Pakistan. However, if Pakistan makes a clean sweep of South Africa, then India and Australia can advance in the race for the final.

How will the path to the final be for India?

The pressure is mounting on India's head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma as one spot of South Africa is almost assured. India's decision to reach the final will depend largely on the results of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

India, who topped the table after a clean sweep against Bangladesh in September, have now moved to third place. The reason for this is the defeat in the Adelaide Test against Australia.

To secure their place in the final, India will have to avoid defeat in the remaining three matches and be limited to only one draw. If India wins the series 2-1, Australia will also have a chance to reach the final, provided they make a clean sweep against Sri Lanka.

If the series draws 2-2, India will have to expect Sri Lanka to beat Australia 2-0 or hold on to consecutive draws. In such a situation, India can reach the final with 55.26% points. Australia will also be on the same percentage, but India will qualify for the final on the basis of number of series wins.

To make it to the final, India will not only have to improve their performance but also focus on the results of other teams. The remaining matches of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will prove to be decisive for India.