India is edging closer to securing a place in the ICC World Test Championship final after a dominant win over Australia in the second Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on February 19th. The victory earned India a 2-0 lead in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series and allowed them to retain the trophy.
India’s 100th victory over Australia in all formats of international men’s cricket was also recorded in the second Test. The win boosted India’s points percentage from 61.66 to 64.06 in the 2021-23 WTC cycle, with 10 wins in 16 matches, four losses, and two draws. India is currently second in the table with 123 points, while table-topping Australia’s points percentage declined from 70.83 PCT to 66.67.
However, India’s place in the WTC final is not yet secured. Sri Lanka could still overtake India in the standings and spoil their chances. India needs to win one of the remaining Tests of the BGT 2023 to reach the final, while South Africa, who are currently fourth, have been ruled out of the running. Australia is likely to reach the final but has not yet secured their place.
In the second Test, Australia posted 263 in their first innings, while India replied with 262. India then restricted Australia to 113 in their second innings, setting themselves a target of 115 to win. Despite an early wicket, India chased the target with clinical batting to secure a six-wicket victory. The third and fourth Tests will be played in Indore and Ahmedabad, respectively.
The 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship is in its second edition and began on August 4, 2021, with the final scheduled to be played from June 7 to 11 at The Oval, London. The tournament features 69 matches over 27 series, with the top two teams advancing to the final.
