\n<\/p>\n
India<\/b><\/p>\n
While India still lead the way as it stands, back-to-back home losses to New Zealand have made it that much tougher for Rohit Sharma’s men to reach a third straight WTC final.<\/p>\n
It is still in their hands, though, and victory in the third Test against the Black Caps combined with winning three Tests in Australia would guarantee them a place in the showpiece game next summer.<\/p>\n
Australia<\/b><\/p>\n
Following India’s slip ups against New Zealand, the equation is pretty simple for Australia: win five of their last seven matches and they’ll go to Lord’s for a chance to defend their title.<\/p>\n
Four wins – should three of them come against India – should be enough but anything less than five and other results become a factor.<\/p>\n
Sri Lanka<\/b><\/p>\n
As with Australia, it’s a fairly straightforward scenario for Sri Lanka. Win all four of their remaining matches in the cycle and they will be in the final.<\/p>\n
That won’t be easy against fellow contenders South Africa and Australia but three wins and a defeat might still be enough depending on results elsewhere.<\/p>\n
New Zealand<\/b><\/p>\n
An historic series win in India has kept New Zealand, Test champions in 2021, in with a chance of returning to the final.<\/p>\n
Even victory in all four of their remaining Tests – one in India and three at home to England – would not assure them of a top-two place but it would give them a very good chance.<\/p>\n
South Africa<\/b><\/p>\n
As it stands, the Proteas require five wins from five to be completely sure of a berth in the final.<\/p>\n
Four wins and a draw would give them a strong chance, while even four wins and a loss would not completely end their chances.<\/p>\n
However, in both instances, they would need other results to go their way.<\/p>\n
England<\/b>, Pakistan<\/b>, Bangladesh <\/b>and West Indies<\/b> are no longer in contention to reach the final.<\/p>\n
But, of course, it is worth noting that it could all change again if any side is deducted points for a slow over-rate, as five teams have in this cycle, including both England and Australia during the 2023 Ashes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n