It’s been more than a decade since India and Pakistan last played a Test match in December 2007. Since then, political issues have stopped them from facing each other in matches. But 2025 might bring a chance for a historic match. Just think of India versus Pakistan at the home of cricket, Lord’s Cricket Ground. This potential match could find its place in the World Test Championship Final at the end of the 2023–25 WTC cycle.
India Team performance
Most of the impressive standings of India in the WTC can be attributed to an exceptional performance, marked by a strong winning percentage of 68.52%. That would mean they have won a quite high percentage out of all the matches played so far. Well, their good performance so far has made them the top team, and they are in a very strong position to make it into the finals of the tournament. This is the most riveting news for all cricket fans.
Reaching a final is by no means easy, but it is proof of a very good team performance.
Australia fares well too but stays second on the list with a winning percentage of 62.50%. Not way ahead of India, they are still a hard team to encounter. This close race between top teams makes the tournament more interesting and keeps fans on the edge of their seats. They have a tough away series against New Zealand and Australia lined up later in 2024. After all these challenges, many still believe that India has a good chance of making it into the finals with its current form and leadership.
These two series will become critical for India if they have to take it to the final. These games are important because winning away games will greatly improve their WTC ranking. Even with the challenges, there is strong confidence that under Captain Gambhir, India will keep their winning momentum alive and make it to the finals.
Pakistan’s current situation
Now, let’s discuss the situation in Pakistan. I mean, the situation in Pakistan is different, and their route to the WTC final is not that easy. Making it to the final would require fundamental improvement in the team’s performance. What has been the reason behind Pakistan’s struggles? The possible reason could be that they played too few matches and needed more consistent wins.
These are some of the critical matches lying ahead for Pakistan. They have to host Bangladesh and England this year and play a one-off test away in South Africa. However, they need to win these matches if they want to climb up the WTC table. This is because victories against quality teams like England and South Africa will do a world of good for them in reaching the final. Both teams are fresh with talent that can make a huge difference in the pursuit of the WTC finals.
Looking ahead
India will depend on its experienced players and new talent under the guidance and mentorship of Gambhir. On the other hand, Pakistan requires its big players to come good and be consistent. The contribution of these main players assumes great importance because individual brilliance can alter the game in crucial situations.
An India-Pakistan Test series is all set to return after a gap of nearly 18 years, and cricket lovers across the globe have their eyes on this epic encounter. Pakistan needs to up its game to make this historic match happen. It could be the tight defense of India or the aggressive approach of Pakistan, but the road to the World Test Championship final is sure to be an exciting one.
