Is there a possibility of India vs Pakistan WTC Final at Lord's in 2023?

Both India and Pakistan- the arch-rivals in the game of cricket- have had a topsy-turvy journey in the Test format this year. India’s start of the 2022 campaign wasn’t fruitful as they ended up losing to South Africa, who are currently placed on top of the World Test Championship points table. They then won the series against Sri Lanka but failed to win the series against England as they lost the rescheduled one-off Test in June.

On the other hand, Pakistan put out the best of efforts against Australia when the two teams met for a three-match Test. After ending the first two games in a draw, Pakistan lost the third game as the visitors went on to clinch the series by 1-0. Pakistan then faced Sri Lanka in Galle for a two-match series and won the first game to gain some big points, but slipped down after losing the second game.

Thus, there has been a very tough fight between the teams that are placed in third, fourth, and fifth positions, which currently are Sri Lanka, India, and Pakistan respectively. The fact that Pakistan’s final two series—three Tests against England and two against New Zealand—will be played at home gives them an advantage. If they succeed in winning each one, their percentage will increase to 69.05. Their percentage will be 61.9 percent if they earn 48 points out of those two series (four victories and a defeat).

India needs to register six wins in their remain

Meanwhile, India is now in the fourth spot, but they should be optimistic about their chances of advancing up the ladder in their upcoming two series against Australia (four home games) and Bangladesh (two away games).

India’s percentage will increase to 68.06 if they complete a flawless six-on-six. It will then be higher than Australia’s total even if they win all five of their home Test matches. Accordingly, an all-subcontinent climax at Lord’s in 2023 is possible if India and Pakistan win all of their remaining fixtures and South Africa drops out.

It’ll be difficult for the two teams to continue a winning run throughout the year, given the number of matches they’re scheduled to play. But if India and Pakistan meet the aforementioned requirements, there are chances of an epic clash at the Lord’s in the World Test Championship Final 2023.