Archive · 28 Aug 2026
India’s WTC Final Hopes Fade After Sri Lanka Draw
India played two Test matches against Sri Lanka and won the series 1-0.
The first match was a big win for India, but the second match ended in a draw.
Because India did not win the second match, its position in the championship table became weaker.
India is now fifth with a points percentage of 51.52.
Australia is first, while South Africa and New Zealand are also above India.
India has seven matches left against New Zealand and Australia.
Winning all seven could raise India’s points percentage to 70.37, which may be enough to reach the final.
Losing important matches would make qualification much harder.
India drew the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo, winning the series 1-0 after a 165-run victory in Galle.
The result left India fifth in the 2025–27 World Test Championship standings with 68 points and a 51.52% points percentage.
Australia lead the table at 80.00%, followed by South Africa at 75.00% and New Zealand at 72.22%.
India have seven Tests remaining: two against New Zealand and five against Australia.
Winning all seven remaining matches would give India a 70.37% points percentage, while a 2-0 series loss to New Zealand followed by a 5-0 win over Australia would leave them at 59.26%.
- Who
- India and Sri Lanka played the second Test, while Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and Bangladesh are among the leading teams in the standings.
- What
- The second Test ended in a draw, leaving India fifth in the 2025–27 World Test Championship table despite a 1-0 series win.
- When
- The match ended on Thursday, August 27; India will play New Zealand in November and Australia in early 2027.
- Where
- The drawn Test was played in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
- Why
- The draw reduced India’s points percentage from 53.33% to 51.52% and increased the importance of its remaining seven Tests.
Reasons for Optimism
Qualification Challenges
India’s remaining schedule
Reasons for Optimism
India can still qualify by producing a strong run across seven remaining Tests against New Zealand and Australia.
Qualification Challenges
The schedule is difficult because India must face two strong opponents, including Australia in a five-Test series.
Winning all seven Tests
Reasons for Optimism
A perfect record in the remaining matches would raise India’s points percentage to 70.37%, which the report says should be enough to qualify.
Qualification Challenges
Winning all seven matches is described as difficult, making this qualification route demanding.
Effect of a series loss
Reasons for Optimism
India could remain in contention if it recovers strongly in the Australia series after a setback against New Zealand.
Qualification Challenges
A 2-0 loss to New Zealand followed by a 5-0 win over Australia would still leave India at only 59.26%, according to the report.
- India’s position
- Fifth in the WTC standings
- India’s record
- Five wins, four losses and two draws in 11 Tests
- India’s points
- 68 points with a 51.52% points percentage
- Series result
- India beat Sri Lanka 1-0 after a 165-run win in the first Test
- Table leader
- Australia with an 80.00% points percentage
- Remaining matches
- Two Tests against New Zealand and five against Australia
- Best projected outcome
- Seven remaining wins would give India a 70.37% points percentage
