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India went down to New Zealand by eight wickets at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday, October 20 in a match played as part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC). The defeat was India's first against the Kiwis in a home Test since November 1988.
Set to chase a target of 107, the visitors lost their openers cheaply, but cruised home in 27.4 overs courtesy of Will Young (48*) and Rachin Ravindra (39*). The hosts paid a heavy price for getting bowled out for 46 in their first innings after winning the toss and batting first. They fought back strongly with the bat in their second essay. However, another shocking batting collapse put paid to their hopes.
Despite the eight-wicket loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru, India have maintained their No. 1 position in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) points table. They have played 12 matches, winning eight, losing three and one Test ended in a draw. Rohit Sharma and co. have 98 points and points percentage (PCT) of 68.06.
India's qualification path for the WTC final has gotten somewhat trickier following their unexpected loss to New Zealand in Bengaluru. They now need to win five of their remaining seven matches in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle to be assured of a place in the final at Lord's. They could also qualify with four wins but need other results to go their way in such a scenario.
Team India's remaining matches in the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle
As mentioned earlier, India have seven more matches left in the ongoing WTC cycle. They will play two more Tests at home against New Zealand. The second match of the series will be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune from October 24 to October 28. The series will conclude with the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai from November 1 to November 5.
After the home series against New Zealand, India will fly to Australia for a grueling five-match Test series, which will mark the conclusion of their assignments in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle (excluding the final if they qualify).
The India vs Australia series will begin with the first Test in Perth from November 22 to November 26. The second Test will be held in Adelaide from December 6 to December 10. The third Test will be played in Brisbane from December 14 to December 18.
The India-Australia series will conclude with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne from December 26 to December 30 and the New Year Test in Sydney (January 3 to January 7).
