Pakistan team seemed like one of the top contenders to reach the World Test Championship final when the ICC announced their schedule for the new cycle. They had three away series against West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, while the other three were home series. So it looked like Babar Azam’s men would finish in the Top 2.
However, the journey has not been as expected for the Asian team. They lost an away Test against West Indies and then lost the home series against the Australian team. Babar Azam’s team is fourth on the World Test Championship points table right now. They have played three series and earned 52.38% points.
Pakistan will still play three more series in the World Test Championship’s first round. They have one away series against Sri Lanka and home series against New Zealand and England. They should aim to win all the matches, but according to a qualification scenario shared by a Twitter user, even if they win five matches, it will get them to 61% points.
Last year, the team with 70% points finished second, but this year, it looks tough because the competition level is much higher.
Wins required to reach 61% Points –
— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaKRM) April 11, 2022
AUS 🇦🇺 need 6 wins in 11
IND 🇮🇳 need 5 wins in 7
SA 🇿🇦 need 4.5 wins in 8
PAK 🇵🇰 need 5 wins in 7
NZ 🇳🇿 need 6 wins in 7
SL 🇱🇰 need 5.5 wins in 8
WI 🏝️ need 6 wins in 6
(4.5 wins – 6 wins + 1 draw; 5.5 wins – 5 win + 1 draw)
Will Pakistan qualify for the WTC Finals 2023?
The road to the final seemed easier than other teams, but defeats against West Indies and Australia have made it challenging for Babar Azam and co. They will start as favorites to win against Sri Lanka and England, but the series against defending champions New Zealand will be decisive.
The Pakistan vs New Zealand series will comprise two matches. It will be interesting to see if Babar Azam’s team can emerge victorious in those games.
