WTC points table scenarios after England vs Pakistan Test series: All possible changes originally appeared on Cricket News. Add Cricket News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- England and Pakistan begin their three-Test WTC series at Headingley on August 19.
- India's two-Test series against Sri Lanka is also crucial.
- The second Australia-Bangladesh Test could further reshape the top four.
- England have five WTC Tests remaining after Pakistan, while Pakistan have four.
WTC points table scenarios after England vs Pakistan Test series
England and Pakistan play each other in a three-Test series which can turn out to be highly significant for the lower end of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 rankings. The first Test starts on August 19 at Headingley, followed by matches at Lord's and The Oval.
The series carries a maximum of 36 WTC points and England are seventh on 24.36% PCT, while Pakistan are eighth on 22.22% before the series. Both sides need a significant points haul, especially as only the top two teams qualify for the WTC Final in 2027.
Additionally, Bangladesh stunned Australia by nine wickets in Darwin to move fourth in the WTC standings on 66.67%, while Australia remain top on 77.78%; the second Test begins in Mackay on August 22, with Australia needing a win to level the series.
India and Sri Lanka will also be fighting for points in an ongoing two-Test series.
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England vs Pakistan Test series: What is at stake in the WTC championship run?
Points percentage (PCT) is used rather than points in determining the WTC standings. A win gives 12 points, a draw four and a tie six.
The England vs Pakistan series will be very important, since all sides around them keep accumulating points. Another win for Bangladesh against Australia can take them to 72.22%, while an Australia victory will see Bangladesh having 66.67%, and Australia 83.33%.
Another important series is two Tests of India against Sri Lanka, with the first Test ending on August 19.
England have five Tests remaining after the Pakistan series, with three against South Africa and two against Bangladesh; Pakistan have four Tests left, facing Sri Lanka twice and New Zealand twice.
Therefore, the series is very important for both sides, but will not define the future of the WTC campaign.
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WTC table before England vs Pakistan Test series
The latest standings after Bangladesh's 1st Test win over Australia are:
| Pos | Team | Points% |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | 77.78% |
| 2 | South Africa | 75.00% |
| 3 | New Zealand | 72.22% |
| 4 | Bangladesh | 66.67% |
| 5 | India | 48.15% |
| 6 | Sri Lanka | 41.67% |
| 7 | England | 24.36% |
| 8 | Pakistan | 22.22% |
| 9 | West Indies | 20.83% |
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How the WTC table could change after ENG vs PAK Test series
The scenarios that follow demonstrate how the position of both England and Pakistan’s PCTs would be impacted by only the outcome of their respective three-Test match series.
However, the ultimate positioning will be influenced by the outcomes of the second Test of Australia vs Bangladesh, India vs Sri Lanka, and other WTC games.
Scenario 1: England wins the Test series
A clean sweep victory will be the best thing that could happen for England, moving them from 24.36% to 38.54% and closing in on Sri Lanka's 41.67%.
However, the Test series between England and South Africa will be very crucial since the latter is sitting in second place in the WTC points table with 75% PCT.
A good performance against Pakistan will give England an opportunity, but they still need more points against South Africa and Bangladesh to have a chance of a top-two finish.
| Series result | England PCT | Pakistan PCT |
|---|---|---|
| England win 3-0 | 38.54% | 14.81% |
| England win 2-1 | 32.29% | 25.93% |
| England win 2-0, one draw | 34.38% | 18.52% |
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Scenario 2: Pakistan wins the Test series
A 3-0 clean sweep by Pakistan will result in the maximum PCT swing for either side.
Pakistan will increase its PCT from 22.22% to 48.15%, the same as India's current PCT. England will drop below West Indies at 19.79%.
Thereafter, Pakistan will still have four home Tests left against Sri Lanka and New Zealand, which will provide an excellent opportunity for the team to continue improving.
| Series result | England PCT | Pakistan PCT |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan win 3-0 | 19.79% | 48.15% |
| Pakistan win 2-1 | 26.04% | 37.04% |
| Pakistan win 2-0, one draw | 21.88% | 40.74% |
Scenario 3: England and Pakistan draw the series
Both teams would gain only marginal benefits if the series is drawn.
In the present rankings, England would lag behind Sri Lanka, while Pakistan would be lagging far behind the leading contenders.
But neither team would be eliminated from the competition, as England would have five Tests left, and Pakistan would have four Tests to go.
| Series result | England PCT | Pakistan PCT |
|---|---|---|
| All three Tests drawn | 26.04% | 25.93% |
| England 1-1 Pakistan, one draw | 28.13% | 29.63% |
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