WTC: New Zealand dent India's chances of qualification to final with 113-run win in Pune

India’s chances to qualify for the final of the 2025 World Test Championship (WTC) took heavy dents after they lost to New Zealand on Day 3 of the Pune Test on Saturday (Oct 26). The 113-run defeat has taken its toll on the Indian team’s chances of qualifying for the WTC final. They now face the prospect of winning four Test matches on Australian soil in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The win for New Zealand has also brought them back in the frame for the race to the final.

Successive Test five-wicket bags for Mitchell Santner (5-72) and his maiden first-class 10-wicket match haul (12-125). Three wickets to win after Tea! India need 181 runs.

Follow play LIVE in NZ on @skysportnz or @SENZ_Radio LIVE scoring https://t.co/6VR0Jde2yJ 📲 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/ayoWUIPovb — BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 26, 2024

India’s chances dented

The latest defeat in Pune for Rohit Sharma’s men means they narrowly sit at the top of the standings with a win percentage points (PCT) of 62.82 in 13 matches. Australia in second place are second with 62.50 PCT, meaning they could dethrone India at the top in case New Zealand get at least a draw in the Mumbai Test.

Can India qualify for the WTC final?

The result in Pune will heavily affect the Indian team’s chances of making it to the final. Six wins in six matches could see Rohit’s side reach a maximum of 74 PCT; however, this is an unlikely prospect considering it is an away series. Practically, India now need to win at least four matches in their remaining six WTC contests, with five of those matches taking place in Australia.

The equation will be greatly influenced by the performances of other teams in running for the final as they will pick and drop points.

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New Zealand back in race for WTC final

While India’s chances were heavily dented, New Zealand have rejuvenated their hopes of a second WTC final after 2021. The Kiwis now have a PCT of 50 from 10 matches where they have won five and lost five. They still have four matches to play in the WTC cycle with them standing an opportunity to whitewash India on their home turf.

In case the Kiwis win their four matches they will attain a PCT of 64.28, giving them a good chance of qualifying to the final.