Published 18:17 IST, October 26th 2024
India Stay On Top In WTC Standing Despite New Zealand Setback
After the third Test against New Zealand next week, India will fly Down Under to play the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has gained more significance now.
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India retained ir position at top of World Test Championship standings, but ir points percentage (PCT) took a hit following ir 113-run defeat in second Test against New Zealand on Saturday.
India crashed to ir first-ever Tests series defeat at home in 12 years as New Zealand handed hosts a humiliating 113-run loss in second Test in Pune to take an unassailable 2-0 le in three-match series.
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It was India's fourth loss in current WTC cycle, causing ir PCT to drop from 68.06 to 62.82. As a result, Rohit Sharma and his men are now just 0.32 ahe of Australia (62.50), who occupy second spot.
After third Test against New Zealand next week, India will fly Down Under to play Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has gained more significance now.
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India h won 18 consecutive series before this one, and were heavy favourites to win all matches in ir pursuit of a final spot in WTC.
But, now, to qualify for ir third consecutive WTC Final without relying on external results, India must win four of ir remaining six matches.
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Set a daunting target of 359 in fourth innings, India lost wickets at regular intervals to meekly surrender match and series to New Zealand.
"I am hurting because we lost game. Can't think about what lies ahe and can it affect our chances. We didn't play well enough, we lost series and that is hurting. re are things we need to do as a unit," India skipper Rohit Sharma said at post-match press conference when asked about WTC scenario.
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India's loss has opened up race for WTC Final, giving likes of Sri Lanka, South Africa, and New Zealand besides Australia, a strong opportunity to qualify for WTC25 Final next year.
historic win against India has elevated Black Caps, who now have a PCT of 50, to fourth spot and back into reckoning for a finals spot.
Sri Lanka, who have a PCT of 55.56, occupy third spot while Pakistan 's nine-wicket victory against England in third Test in Rawalpindi has helped m climb to seventh place with 33.33 PCT. England, who have 40.79 PCT, are sixth.
18:17 IST, October 26th 2024