Since Sri Lanka lost the first Test of their two-match series against New Zealand, India advanced automatically to the World Test Championship final.
As Australia became the first team to formally qualify for the WTC final, the Indian cricket team became the second team to do so. Because New Zealand won the first Test against Sri Lanka in Christchurch, India was able to advance. The New Zealand team reached their aim of 285 runs on Day 5 of the match, despite a weather delay. Sri Lanka lost the first of two Tests they needed to win to keep themselves in the running for a spot in the WTC finals.
With the final runs being struck by Kane Williamson, New Zealand squeaked out a 2-wicket victory over Sri Lanka. New Zealand lost a tonne of wickets in the final over, creating a climactic scene. Williamson, though, calmed his nerves to win the series one game to none and eliminate Sri Lanka from contention for the WTC title.
Meanwhile, India was also occupied with their Test assignment, playing against Steve Smith’s side captained by Australia in Ahmedabad on Day 5 of the fourth Test. As Sri Lanka failed to overcome New Zealand in the first Test, India only needed a draw or a loss to secure their berth in the Test championship final.
As the fourth day of the New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka Test drew to a close, the heavens opened up, delaying play until the next day. A minimum of 53 overs were scheduled, and no break was promised, but the sun came out, and play resumed.
To help New Zealand take a 1-0 series lead against Sri Lanka, Kane Williamson produced a century for the 27th time in Tests, and Daryl Mitchell smashed 81 runs off 86 balls.
With 68.52 percent, Australia is in first place on the WTC rankings (PCT).
Sri Lanka’s PCT would have been higher than India’s 60.29 prior to the start of the fourth Test in Ahmedabad had they won the Test on Monday and tried to win the second match in Wellington.
India needed to win the Ahmedabad Test to guarantee that they would remain in second place in the WTC and increase their PCT to 62.5.
Sri Lanka must be cursing their luck now as New Zealand, led by former captain Kane Williamson’s unbeaten 121, won a record chase of 285 runs on Monday.
