How England’s historic Test win against Pakistan boosts India’s chances of making it to World Test Championship 2023 Final?

The Ben Stokes-led England earned a historic victory in the first Test match in Rawalpindi against Pakistan and are currently leading the three-match Test series 1-0. While the ongoing red-ball contest between two sides is a part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 21-23 cycle, the Men in Green have nearly squandered their chances of progressing to the WTC 2023 final following the loss.

Pakistan sustained a major blow to their chances of progressing to the finals of the Test Championship. In an interesting turn of events, the loss has dramatically boosted their arch-rivals India’s chances of making it to the summit clash.

Placed on the fifth spot in the WTC points table prior to the England series, the Babar Azam-led side had realistic chances of progressing to the final. However, a poor outing in the final innings of the Rawalpindi Test and eventually losing the match has jolted their chance pretty badly.

Major boost for India in WTC cycle 21-23

While the Babar Azam-led side is not out of contention yet, but their chances have taken a major hit. Now, wins for India and Australia in their respective upcoming bilateral series will diminish the chances of Pakistan entering the final.

A clean sweep against Bangladesh in the Test series will mean that the Indian side can afford to concede a match against Australia in the forthcoming Test series at home in the next year.

On the other hand, Australia will aim for a whitewash against the West Indies in the ongoing Test series, having already won one of the two Tests. Furthermore, two wins in the forthcoming three-match Test series against South Africa would mean that they will inch a step closer to the summit clash of the WTC 2023.

Babar Azam and co. will also host New Zealand following the conclusion of the England series. Despite having spoiled their chances of progressing, they will still be on the lookout to win their remaining fixtures and keep their hopes alive.