Win Projections to be updated soon
New Zealand and England have faced major repercussions for their slow over-rate during the first Test in Christchurch. Both teams have been docked three crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points. They have also been fined 15% of their match fees. The sanctions, imposed by match referee David Boon, came after the teams were found three overs short of the required rate, even after accounting for time allowances.
Captains Tom Latham and Ben Stokes accepted the charges levelled by the on-field umpires, Ahsan Raza and Rod Tucker, with assistance from third umpire Adrian Holdstock and fourth official Kim Cotton.
New Zealand’s WTC Final Hopes Hampered
The penalty has significantly hampered New Zealand’s WTC campaign. The Kiwis had won the inaugural WTC final. However, they have now dropped from fourth to fifth place on the WTC Points Table. Their current percentage points stand at 47.92%. Thus, even if they win their remaining two fixtures in the series, they can only reach a maximum of 55.36%. This makes their path to a second consecutive WTC final extremely unlikely.
England are already out of the running for a top-two finish. They sit in sixth place with 42.50% points. For the English side, the penalty is more symbolic. Even if they win all of their remaining matches, they will not be able to qualify for the WTC final.
What Does This Mean for India?
New Zealand‘s loss in Christchurch has mounted their WTC troubles. It was a sloppy display of fielding and missed opportunities that saw them go down by eight wickets. The loss has virtually wiped out any semblance of a real hope of NZ reaching the WTC Final. NZ had defeated India 3-0 at home and appeared like a serious contender to make it to the WTC Final. However, after defeat and this points deduction, all hope has been shattered.
India and South Africa are currently the top two teams in the WTC standings. Australia and Sri Lanka are in third and fourth place. The WTC is still an open race. No team is guaranteed a top-two finish. With 15 matches remaining in the cycle, every point gained or lost could determine the final standings.
New Zealand’s dropping points and slipping to fifth place has indirectly helped India’s cause. Each mistake by a close competitor opens up some space for India, who are still sitting at the top of the table.
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