India’s aspirations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final took a significant hit following a disappointing 185-run loss to Australia in the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. This defeat not only allowed Australia to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match Border-Gavaskar Trophy series but also impacted India’s standing in the WTC points table.
Match Summary
In a challenging chase of 340 runs, India was bowled out for just 155 runs on the fifth day. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the standout performer for India, scoring 84 runs off 208 balls, while Rishabh Pant contributed 30 runs. Despite a resilient partnership in the second session, India’s batting lineup faltered after Pant’s dismissal, paving the way for Australia’s bowlers to dominate. Pat Cummins led the Australian attack with three crucial wickets, while Jasprit Bumrah shone for India with a five-wicket haul.
Impact on WTC Points Table
The loss has seen India drop to third place in the WTC standings, with a Points Percentage (PCT) now at 52.77, down from 55.89. Australia, on the other hand, improved their PCT to 61.45 and solidified their position in the race for the final. South Africa has already secured their spot in the WTC Final after defeating Pakistan, further complicating India’s path.
Updated WTC Points Table (as of December 30, 2024)
| Position | Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa (Q) | 11 | 7 | 3 | 1 | 132 | 66.67% |
| 2 | Australia | 16 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 192 | 61.45% |
| 3 | India | 18 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 216 | 52.77% |
| 4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 168 | 48.21% |
| 5 | Sri Lanka | 11 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 132 | 45.45% |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
What Lies Ahead for India?
To have any hope of qualifying for the WTC Final, India must win their final Test against Australia in Sydney starting January 3 and simultaneously rely on Sri Lanka to defeat Australia in their upcoming series. The stakes are high as every match counts towards their chances of making it to Lord’s for the final.
India’s performance in this series has been under scrutiny, and this latest defeat adds pressure on Rohit Sharma and his team as they prepare for what could be a decisive match in their quest for glory.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article reflects current standings and match outcomes as of December 30, 2024. For ongoing updates and detailed analysis, follow reliable sports news sources.
