Australia will play South Africa in WTC Final unless India win BGT 4-1
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India's chances of playing a third straight ICC World Test Championship Final were dealt a serious blow after South Africa crushed Sri Lanka in their second home Test in Gqeberha.
The 109-run win has catapulted the Proteas to the top of the WTC Final standings, ahead of Australia, who pushed India to third after the 10-wicket triumph in their second Test in Adelaide.
For India to surpass Australia and finish in the top-two, and thereby become eligible for the WTC Final at Lord's, they must clinch the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 4-1. That means Rohit Sharma and Co. must win their remaining three Test matches Down Under, starting with the third Test starting December 14 in Brisbane.
As things stand, India have only secured 57.29% of points (110) out of the 192 they contested for. India can finish as high as 64.04% by winning their next three matches in Australia.
South Africa, having accumulated 63.33% of possible points, can continue at the top of the rankings if they beat Pakistan in their two remaining matches.
Should India fail to secure victories in their three remaining Tests, Australia would retain their place in the WTC Final with a 2-2 result in the series. The Aussies also play Sri Lanka in two away matches after the home series against India.