The race to the finale for the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle is extremely intriguing, and a lot of tables have turned, especially after India's series win against Bangladesh. Currently sitting at the top, India have secured 98 points to their name after 11 matches with eight wins. The clean sweep against Bangladesh by 2-0 margin has really bolstered India's chances for the top spot in the ongoing cycle.
On number two are defending champions Australia. The Pat Cummins-led side has currently played 12 matches in the ongoing cycle, winning eight of those, including three losses and a draw, taking their points percentage (PCT) to 62.50. They have a home series lined up against two-time runner-ups India for the Border Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.
The most astonishing display of A-game in red-ball cricket was shown by Sri Lanka, currently at third, who whitewashed New Zealand 2-0 in recently concluded home series. Their upcoming assignment includes a two-match series against South Africa, and a win is what the Lankan Lions will be hoping for, as the top two on the table, have a really dominating position at the moment.
England, having played the most matches in the current cycle (16), managed to win half of them, and lost seven while one was drawn. The Three Lions currently hold a PCT of 40.79 after winning the first but losing two consecutive Tests, thereby getting beaten 2-1 against Pakistan in the three-match series. Brendon McCullum's men will be hopeful of climbing up the table real quick, to fancy their first-ever finale, as they get ready for a three-Test series against New Zealand.
Speaking of South Africa, they find themselves in a very precarious situation at the moment, as they need to win all of their remaining matches to climb up and end the cycle as finalists. Aiden Markram's men will next be up against Bangladesh before hosting Sri Lanka for a couple of matches.
Meanwhile, New Zealand's situation is nothing different. The BlackCaps, who are in India for the three-match Test series are already 2-0 up in the series with a fantastic win in the Pune Test. Now, the third and final Test will be played in Mumbai, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. A win in the last Test would work right for the Kiwis, and also falter India's position, who still atop the table.
The hope for Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies is all but lost, and only a miracle could climb either of them up in the uphill task. Pakistan lost to the Bangla Tigers 0-2, but the latter went onto neutralize that with a clean sweep at the hands of Indians, which took them to the seventh place on the table (PCT 34.38), whereas, Shan Masood's side holds a PCT of an underwhelming 25.93. Speaking of Windies, their only win the cycle came against Australia during the historic Test at the Gabba, Brisbane, but nothing else has worked for the Caribbeans apart from that.
| Pos. | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Drawn | Points | PCT (%) |
| 1 | AUSTRALIA | 12 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 90 | 62.50 |
| 2 | INDIA | 14 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 98 | 58.33 |
| 3 | SRI LANKA | 9 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 60 | 55.56 |
| 4 | NEW ZEALAND | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 72 | 54.55 |
| 5 | SOUTH AFRICA | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 40 | 47.62 |
| 6 | ENGLAND | 19 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 93 | 40.79 |
| 7 | PAKISTAN | 10 | 4 | 6 | 0 | 40 | 33.33 |
| 8 | BANGLADESH | 9 | 3 | 6 | 0 | 33 | 30.56 |
| 9 | WEST INDIES | 9 | 1 | 6 | 2 | 20 | 18.52 |
*Last updated - NOV 03, 2024 after New Zealand's win against India in Mumbai, 3rd Test