WTC Points Table: Assessing India and Pakistan's positions post losses to South Africa and Australia

Two Boxing Day Test matches unfolded, resulting in losses to the Asian teams, India and Pakistan, against South Africa and Australia, respectively.

India and Pakistan

As part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle, two Boxing Day Test matches unfolded, resulting in losses for the prominent Asian teams, India and Pakistan, against South Africa and Australia, respectively.

India suffered a substantial defeat, bowled out for a mere 131 runs in 34.1 overs during their second innings on Day 3 against South Africa. This dismal performance led to their ultimate loss in the game by an innings and 32 runs.

Meanwhile, Pakistan endured a setback with a 79-run loss in the 2nd Test against Australia, resulting in conceding the series with one Test remaining.

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Before these setbacks, both Asian teams occupied the top two spots in the WTC standings. However, the losses resulted in a considerable decline in their rankings. India slid from the top position to sixth, while South Africa claimed the first spot. Compounding India's challenges, the ICC penalized them by deducting two WTC points and imposing a 10% fine on match fees for every player due to a slow over-rate. Chris Broad, a member of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, enforced the sanction after India fell two overs short of the target.

Currently, Pakistan holds the fifth position, while Australia secures the third spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. In the ongoing WTC cycle, Australia has won four matches, suffered two losses, and managed one draw. Following their recent victory, Australia elevated to the third position in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, accumulating 42 points with a PCT (Percentage) of 50.

Looking ahead, the Indian team aims to put the recent defeat behind them as they face South Africa in the 2nd Test match on January 3, 2024, at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa.

Simultaneously, Australia and Pakistan will square off in the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where David Warner is anticipated to bid farewell to Test cricket on his home ground.

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This match marks a pivotal step toward his complete exit from the international game, with Warner aspiring to conclude his journey in Australian colours at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

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