WTC 2023-25: Pakistan's path to the final

India and Australia lead the WTC 2023-25 standings, targeting next year's final at Lord's

India and Australia currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings, aiming for next year's final at Lord's.

New Zealand, Sri Lanka, England, and Pakistan occupy the middle spots, while South Africa, Bangladesh, and the West Indies are at the bottom.

World Test Championship 2023-25 Standings

India - 68.52% of possible points

Remaining series: Bangladesh (home, 2 Tests), New Zealand (home, 3 Tests), Australia (away, 5 Tests)

Best possible finish: 85.09%

India, having completed three of six mandatory WTC series, are on track for a third consecutive appearance in the showcase Test. They started strong with a 1-0 win in the West Indies, drew 1-1 with South Africa away, and won 4-1 against England at home.

With six wins from nine games, Rohit Sharma’s team aims to maintain their momentum in their remaining 10 matches. They are expected to capitalise on their home advantage in upcoming series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

The final challenge is a tough five-Test series in Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia - 62.50% of possible points

Remaining series: India (home, 5 Tests), Sri Lanka (away, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 76.32%

The current WTC mace holders are poised for another final appearance. They started the cycle with a thrilling Ashes series, initially winning two Tests before England levelled it to 2-2.

Australia then defeated Pakistan 3-0 at home and secured a 10-wicket victory against the West Indies before losing the second Test. They rebounded with a 2-0 win over New Zealand.

Strong performances against India at home and Sri Lanka away can further enhance their chances of reaching the final.

New Zealand - 50% of possible points

Remaining series: Sri Lanka (away, 2 Tests), India (away, 3 Tests), England (home, 3 Tests)

Best possible finish: 78.57%

Despite a 1-1 draw with Bangladesh and a 0-2 home series loss to Australia, New Zealand stayed in contention with a 2-0 sweep over South Africa.

The path ahead isn't easy for Tim Southee’s team. They have five upcoming Tests in Asia and a three-Test series against a resurgent England led by Ben Stokes.

To reach the final again, New Zealand's spinners—Ajaz Patel, Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Glenn Phillips—must excel in the Asian conditions.

Read also: Shan Masood reveals roadmap for Pakistan to reach WTC final

Sri Lanka - 50% of possible points

Remaining series: England (away, 3 Tests), New Zealand (home, 2 Tests), South Africa (away, 2 Tests), Australia (home, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 84.62%

Sri Lanka played just four Tests in this event cycle, losing 2-0 to Pakistan at home and then sweeping Bangladesh away to secure all 24 points. They face four tough opponents in the coming months.

While their pace attack shone in Bangladesh, their batting, led by Karunaratne, Mathews, de Silva, and Chandimal, must deliver in England and South Africa's challenging conditions.

At home, their spin attack will be crucial, but they can't underestimate New Zealand and Australia, who have recently improved in the subcontinent.

Pakistan - 36.66% of possible points

Remaining series: Bangladesh (home, 2 Tests), England (home, 3 Tests), South Africa (away, 2 Tests), West Indies (home, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 77.38%

Pakistan started their 2023-25 WTC cycle strong, decisively beating Sri Lanka in a two-Test away series. Despite a valiant effort with a new-look team in Australia, they couldn't secure a win in their three Tests there.

The positive news for Shan Masood’s squad is that seven of their next nine Tests are at home. Pakistan is confident about their chances against Bangladesh and the West Indies, but they will face a formidable England team in October.

They need to win comprehensively against West Indies and Bangladesh at home.

England - 36.54% of possible points

Remaining series: Sri Lanka (home, 3 Tests), Pakistan (away, 3 Tests), New Zealand (away, 3 Tests)

Best possible finish: 62.50%

England's 3-0 sweep of the West Indies has kept their final hopes alive, but they must avoid further losses.

They will aim to continue their winning form in their upcoming home series against Sri Lanka, with tougher challenges ahead against Pakistan and New Zealand.

A clean sweep against Sri Lanka could secure their place in the final.

Read: Sri Lanka leapfrog Pakistan in World Test Championship standings

South Africa - 25% of possible points

Remaining series: West Indies (away, 2 Tests), Bangladesh (away, 2 Tests), Sri Lanka (home, 2 Tests), Pakistan (home, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 75%

After a strong start to this WTC edition with a win over India at Centurion, South Africa faced a tough spell with three consecutive losses. They were overpowered by India’s pace attack in Cape Town and struggled against New Zealand away.

However, South Africa has a chance to rebound with upcoming matches. They face the West Indies next, who are coming off a tough series against England.

South Africa's recent victory over the West Indies in 2021 and their world-class bowling attack give them confidence to overcome challenges and secure a spot in the WTC final.

Bangladesh - 25% of possible points

Remaining series: Pakistan (away, 2 Tests), India (away, 2 Tests), South Africa (home, 2 Tests), West Indies (away, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 75%

Bangladesh earned 12 key points in their WTC cycle opener with Taijul Islam’s 10-wicket haul securing a win over New Zealand in Sylhet.

However, Glenn Phillips led the Black Caps to a narrow four-wicket victory in Mirpur. The Tigers faced further setbacks with two home losses to Sri Lanka in March-April 2024.

With eight Tests left in the WTC 23-25, Bangladesh is still in the race but must perform exceptionally well against tough opponents like Pakistan, India, and South Africa.

West Indies - 19.05% of possible points

Remaining series: South Africa (home, 2 Tests), Bangladesh (home, 2 Tests), Pakistan (away, 2 Tests)

Best possible finish: 56.41%

The Caribbean team can’t afford many mistakes in their last six Tests. Their upcoming home series against South Africa is vital for their hopes of making the final.

After their only win this season against Australia, Kraigg Brathwaite’s team needs similar results to climb the standings.

They’ll also face Bangladesh at home and Pakistan away early next year to complete their campaign.