UPSC Prelims 2021 · GS Paper I
Question 100: International Relations and Current Affairs
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?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
The finalists of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship were decided by the percentage of points earned out of those contested, not by the number of matches won, because Covid disruption left teams with unequal numbers of matches. New Zealand ranked ahead of England on that percentage, even though England had won more matches in total. So both statements are wrong. Remember: the table was ranked by percentage of points, not wins.
- 1. Finalists were decided by the percentage of points, not the number of wins.
- 2. New Zealand ranked ahead on points percentage; England had won more matches.
How you could have got this
- If you were sure statement 1 is not correct, (a) and (c) go: each of them includes 1.
What you needed to know: Finalists were decided by the percentage of points, not the number of wins.
- Then, if you were sure statement 2 is not correct, (b) goes: it includes 2.
What you needed to know: New Zealand ranked ahead on points percentage; England had won more matches.
Only (d) is left. This one needs every statement.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: finalists were not decided by wins.
- (b) Wrong: New Zealand was ahead on points percentage, not on wins.
- (c) Wrong: both statements are false.
- (d) Right: both statements are incorrect.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2021, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.