India’s WTC final hopes could take a major hit when they face Sri Lanka in a two Test series starting August 15 in Galle.
India are currently fifth in the WTC table with a PCT of 48.15, while Sri Lanka are sixth with 41.67.
With New Zealand and Australia coming up next, can India afford to drop points in Sri Lanka?
A 2-0 win would take India’s PCT to 57.58. Despite, they would still remain fifth as Bangladesh are currently fourth with 58.33. But a clean sweep would give India a much needed boost before the tougher series ahead.
A 1-1 draw would take India’s PCT to 48.48, meaning they would remain fifth. Sri Lanka would move to 44.44 but stay below India.
A 0-2 defeat would see India’s PCT fall to 39.39, while Sri Lanka would jump to 61.11 and move into fourth place. India’s WTC campaign would not end, but their road to the final would become much harder.
Even a 1-0 defeat would hurt, with India’s PCT dropping to 45.45 and Sri Lanka moving to 50.00.
A 1-0 Indian win would take their PCT to 51.52 and keep them fifth.
So, does India need a clean sweep? Not necessarily. But with New Zealand and Australia waiting, the Sri Lanka Tests could decide how much pressure India carry into the next stage of the WTC race.
