World Test Championship 2024-25 Points Table
Updated on : 24 December, 2024

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The World Test Championship (WTC) is a prestigious tournament that has transformed Test cricket by introducing a competitive league format, culminating in a final to crown the world champion. Initiated by the International Cricket Council (ICC), the WTC aims to bring greater context to Test cricket, enhancing its relevance in the modern era of the sport. By providing a structured and competitive framework, the ICC has revitalized the longest format of the game, offering teams a chance to compete for a world title. As we progress through the 2023-2025 cycle, understanding the current standings and how points are awarded is crucial for both fans and players. This blog will explore the current points table, India's chances of qualifying, and what lies ahead in this exciting phase of the competition.
Introduction to the World Test Championship
The World Test Championship was established by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to provide context to Test cricket series played between nations. The format is league-based, where teams accumulate points over a series of matches leading up to the final, which will determine the world champion.
The ongoing cycle started in June 2023 and will conclude with the final scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. Nine teams are competing, and each match contributes to their standings on the WTC points table.
Understanding India's Chances in the World Test Championship Final
India's performance in this cycle has been under close scrutiny, given their strong history in Test cricket. Currently, their chances of qualifying for the WTC final depend on how they perform in their remaining matches, particularly against Australia.
Current Standing and Points Percentage
India's points percentage (PCT) has fluctuated significantly due to recent results. After their draw against Australia at the Gabba, India's PCT decreased from 57.29% to 55.88%, placing them third, just behind South Africa and Australia.
Updated World Test Championship Points Table (as of December 18, 2024)
Pos | Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Draws | Points | PCT (%) |
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1 | South Africa | 10 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 120 | 63.33 |
2 | Australia | 15 | 9 | 4 | 2 | 180 | 58.88 |
3 | India | 17 | 9 | 6 | 2 | 114 | 55.88 |
4 | New Zealand | 14 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 81 | 48.21 |
This table reflects the latest standings after India’s draw with Australia. As we move forward, India needs strong performances in upcoming matches to secure a spot in the final. For the complete WTC points table, you can check it here.
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How Points Are Awarded in the WTC
The WTC follows a structured points system:
- 12 points for a win: Teams earn twelve points for a victory in a Test match.
- 4 points for a draw: Both teams receive four points if a match ends in a draw.
- 6 points for a tie: In the event of a tie, both teams are awarded six points each.
- 0 points for a loss: No points are awarded for a loss.
Penalties
Teams can also face point penalties for slow over rates. They lose one point for each over they fall short of the required rate during a match.
Points Percentage System (PCT)
Teams are ranked based on their Percentage of Points (PCT), calculated as:
PCT = Total Points Earned ÷ Total Points Contested × 100
This formula ensures that teams with fewer matches played still have a fair chance based on their performance relative to the total points available.
Key Teams in the Race for the WTC Final

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Several teams are emerging as key contenders for the final:
- South Africa: Currently leading with strong performances.
- Australia: A consistent threat with solid wins.
- India: Despite setbacks, they remain strong contenders.
- New Zealand: A competitive team capable of disrupting standings.
- Sri Lanka: Looking to capitalize on opportunities.
These teams will be closely watched as they progress through their series, impacting the WTC standings.
India's Performance and Scenarios

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India’s position is sensitive, especially after recent draws and losses.
Recent Matches Impact
The draw against Australia at Gabba was a crucial moment.
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If India wins both remaining matches against Australia, they could finish with approximately 138 points and a PCT around 60.52%, improving their qualification chances.
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If India wins one match and draws another, they would end up with around 130 points and a PCT of about 57%, which could still allow Australia to qualify if they perform well against Sri Lanka.
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If India draws both remaining matches, they would finish with 126 points, risking elimination if Australia wins at least one match against Sri Lanka.
Upcoming Fixtures Significance
India’s matches against Australia will be decisive. Their performance here will likely determine whether they can secure a spot in the final.
Australia's Dominance in the Current Cycle
Australia has been dominant in this cycle, consistently performing well and remaining a top contender. Their consistent victories, such as nine wins from fifteen matches, have kept them in a strong position.

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Australia remains one of the most formidable teams in the WTC, and their upcoming matches against Sri Lanka will be key to their final standings.
Impact of Recent Matches on the Points Table
Recent matches have shifted the standings significantly:
- Australia's draw with India impacted their PCT, but they remain in a good position.
- South Africa’s strong performances have allowed them to hold onto the top spot.
Upcoming Fixtures and Their Significance
The next set of matches is critical for all teams involved. India’s matches against Australia and Australia’s upcoming series against Sri Lanka will be crucial in determining who qualifies for the final.
World Test Championship Points Table 2024: What to Expect
Looking ahead, teams need to adjust their strategies based on current standings:
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India must win their remaining matches to secure a spot in the final.
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Other contenders, including Australia and South Africa, will be hoping for favorable results in their upcoming fixtures.
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Inaugural Edition: The first edition of the WTC, which ran from 2019 to 2021, was a groundbreaking initiative by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to give context to bilateral Test series. The final saw New Zealand crowned champions after defeating India at Lord’s. This event solidified the WTC's status as a prestigious tournament and set high expectations for future editions.
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Consistency is Key: The first edition underscored the importance of consistent performance across a series of matches. Teams like India and Australia, who had strong showings throughout the cycle, advanced to the final, highlighting the value of maintaining form over time in Test cricket.
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ICC's Vision for Test Cricket: The ICC's introduction of the WTC was a significant move to revive and promote Test cricket, making it more competitive and exciting. The governing body aimed to attract greater attention to the longest format of the game, which often saw less viewership compared to limited-overs formats. The tournament’s success helped re-establish Test cricket as the pinnacle of the sport.
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Impact on Rankings: The WTC has had a considerable impact on the ICC Men's Test rankings. It allowed for a more structured approach to ranking teams, as the points system in the WTC rewards sustained excellence, encouraging teams to perform consistently across multiple series instead of just isolated matches.
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Global Representation: One of the standout features of the WTC is its inclusivity of teams from various cricketing nations. The ICC has ensured that nations of all sizes and histories, from cricket giants like Australia and India to emerging teams like Sri Lanka and West Indies, have a fair chance to compete for the final. This diversity brings richness to the competition and highlights the global nature of Test cricket.
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Future of the WTC: The second cycle of the WTC (2021-2023) and now the ongoing 2023-2025 cycle, aims to build on the success and lessons from the inaugural edition. The ICC has continually tweaked and fine-tuned the tournament format, ensuring that it remains a relevant and challenging competition for the best Test teams in the world.
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Increased Fan Engagement: The ICC’s efforts have brought increased fan engagement with Test cricket. The WTC has made Test matches more exciting and has given fans a reason to closely follow each series, with the prize being the chance to compete for the WTC Final, which is played on neutral ground.
For more information, you can check out the full history of the WTC on its official Wikipedia page
Fan Engagement and Interest in the WTC
Fan engagement has been crucial to the success of the WTC:
- Increased viewership and social media discussions show a growing global interest.
- Fans are closely following each match, creating an electrifying atmosphere around the tournament.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Teams
As we approach the final stages of the 2023-2025 WTC cycle, the competition remains fierce. India, along with other contenders like Australia and South Africa, must perform exceptionally well to secure a spot in the final. Fans and players alike are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of crucial upcoming fixtures.
The race for the WTC final is set to intensify, with every match potentially altering the standings. The journey toward the ultimate Test cricket glory continues.