Australia qualifies for WTC final with SCG win over India

Australia ended their decade-long drought, reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a decisive victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). This marked their first series win over India since the 2014-15 edition.

The win also secured Australia’s place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final for the second consecutive time, where they will face South Africa on June 11, 2025, at Lord’s Cricket Ground, barring any over-rate penalties.

Australia chased down a modest target of 162 runs on Day Three, thanks to debutant Beau Webster and Travis Head, who formed an unbeaten 58-run partnership. India’s bowling unit struggled without the pace of Jasprit Bumrah, who was sidelined due to a back spasm.

India briefly revived their hopes when Prasidh Krishna took three quick wickets, dismissing Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, and Steve Smith. However, Head and Webster quickly snuffed out any chance of a comeback.

The morning session saw Australian pacers Scott Boland and Pat Cummins dismantling India’s resistance. Cummins dismissed Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, while Boland claimed his six-wicket haul by removing Mohammed Siraj and Bumrah.

Australia’s chase was briefly disrupted by uneven bounce, and India’s bowlers fought back with Krishna’s breakthroughs. However, without a third frontline pacer, India’s bowlers struggled to maintain intensity after lunch.

Webster and Head capitalized on India’s tiring attack, with boundaries flowing steadily. Webster sealed the victory with a boundary off Sundar, sparking wild celebrations in the Australian camp as they clinched the series and the WTC final spot.