Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualification Scenarios: How can India still qualify for semi-final?

Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualification Scenarios India Women (Source: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)

India’s campaign at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has come down to a rough patch, placing their semi-final hopes tough. After a solid start with convincing wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Women in Blue have struggled in their last three outings, falling to South Africa, Australia, and most recently, England. The narrow four-run defeat to England on October 19 has made their path to the knockout stage far from easy.

With Australia, South Africa, and England already sealing their semi-final berths, only one spot now remains, and three teams are vying for it. India currently hold the advantage with four points from five games, but New Zealand and Sri Lanka remain in close pursuit. Every match from here on is effectively a do-or-die contest for Harmanpreet Kaur and her team.

With two matches remaining, against New Zealand and Bangladesh, India can still bounce back. Their upcoming clash against New Zealand on October 23 is being seen as a virtual quarterfinal one that could determine India’s campaign.

India Women’s Current Standing

India Women’s Remaining Fixtures

The Women in Blue have a total of two games ahead of them. The fixtures are listed as follows:

• vs New Zealand on October 23 at Navi Mumbai
• vs Bangladesh on October 26 at Navi Mumbai

Qualification Scenarios

India need to win both their remaining games to stay alive in the semi-final race.

• If India wins both games: Two victories will secure India’s place in the semi-finals irrespective of other results. Their strong net run rate of positive 0.526 will help them further strengthening their position.
• If India win one and lose one: If India beat New Zealand and lose to Bangladesh, they should still qualify, provided they maintain a better NRR than Bangladesh. However, if they lose to New Zealand and beat Bangladesh, they will need England to defeat the White Ferns.
• If India loses both games: India will be eliminated unless multiple matches get washed out. Two washouts could still see them progress, but only if England beat New Zealand and India stay ahead on NRR against Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.