Consider the following statements in respect of the ICC World Test Championship:
1. The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won.
2. New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?

Correct Answer: Neither 1 nor 2

Let us analyze both statements regarding the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (2019–2021):

Statement 1: "The finalists were decided by the number of matches they won."
This statement is incorrect. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting the scheduled matches, the International Cricket Council (ICC) changed the ranking methodology. The finalists were decided based on the percentage of points earned (PCT) out of the total points contested, rather than the absolute number of matches won or total points accumulated.

Statement 2: "New Zealand was ranked ahead of England because it won more matches than England."
This statement is also incorrect. In the tournament points table, England actually won more matches (11 matches) than New Zealand (7 matches). However, New Zealand ranked higher than England because New Zealand had a higher percentage of points earned (70.0% PCT) compared to England (61.4% PCT), having played fewer total series/matches.

Since both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are incorrect, the correct choice is Neither 1 nor 2.