India’s World Test Championship Final Hopes Brightened by New Zealand’s Defeat

India’s chances of getting into the World Test Championship WTC final have been given a much-needed boost following New Zealand’s massive loss to England. The eight-wicket defeat in the Hagley Oval in Christchurch has marginally helped India shift the balance towards them while the WTC final chances are alive. After a difficult home series against New Zealand, India has bounced back strongly in Australia to place them perfectly on the points table by rekindling their third successive WTC final ambitions.

The qualification to the World T20 Championship final has been a tough journey for the Indian team. The team was virtually knocked out of the championship race after an embarrassing 0-3 loss to New Zealand at home. But a stunning comeback in the series in Australia including a massive 295-run victory in the final game in Perth pushed India to the top of the WTC points table. The team has played 9 of the 15 games achieved a 61.11 points percentage and kept the final qualification chance alive during the tournament.

The recent encounters, including the most recent one with Australia have been crucial to this possible revival. Blowing off all the pre-series predictions, India not only played but outplayed the first Test, making the hosts and overturning the script that had seemed almost unrealistic earlier. This has been helpful in ensuring that the team carries a slim but genuine chance of qualifying to the WTC final.

Also Read | Rain Delays India’s Warm-Up Match Against Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra