With the Ashes series nearing its conclusion, the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 race has entered a decisive phase. The latest results have significantly reshaped the points table, bringing clarity on which teams are in strong positions and which sides face an uphill task to reach the final at Lord’s.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of where each team stands, how many matches they have left, and how many wins they realistically need to qualify for the WTC final.
How WTC Qualification Works
Each Test match carries 12 points for a win, 4 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. Teams are ranked based on Percentage of Points (PCT), not total points, making every match critical.
Historically, teams finishing with 60–65% PCT have qualified for the WTC final.
Current WTC Standings Snapshot (After Ashes 4th Test)
Team Matches Played PCT Matches Remaining
_______ England remain seventh in the table despite victory at the MCG
__ Australia get their first _ of the #WTC27 cycle pic.twitter.com/eDKJPdhm0d— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 27, 2025
How Many Wins Are Needed to Reach the WTC Final?
Below is a realistic estimate of the minimum wins required from remaining matches to stay in contention.
Australia: Matches left: 15, Wins needed: 8-9
- Status: Firm favourites; even a small dip won’t derail them.
New Zealand: Matches left: 13, Wins needed: 8-9
- Status: Strong position with room for error.
South Africa: Matches left: 10, Wins needed: 6-7
- Status: Well placed, but cannot afford many losses.
Sri Lanka: Matches left: 10, Wins needed: 6-7
- Status: Strong start; consistency will be key.
India: Matches left: 9, Wins needed: 5-6
- Status: Must win majority of remaining Tests.
England: Matches left: 12, Wins needed: 8-9
- Status: Need a big turnaround after Ashes setbacks.
Pakistan: Matches left: 11, Wins needed: 8
- Status: Still alive, but the margin for error is thin.
Bangladesh: Matches left: 10, Wins needed: 7+
- Status: Very slim chances.
West Indies: Matches left: 6, Wins needed: Not mathematically possible
- Status: Effectively out of contention.
What This Means Going Forward
- Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka currently hold the strongest cards.
- India remains in the race but must string together series wins.
- England needs a near-perfect run after the Ashes to stay alive.
- West Indies are mathematically out, while Bangladesh face a near-impossible task.
With several marquee series still to come, the WTC race is far from settled, but the margin for error is shrinking fast.
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