13th edition of Women’s World Cup 2025 It has reached a sweeping stage, with IndiaThe path to qualifying for the semi-finals hangs in the balance after successive defeats. Co-host India and Sri LankaThe tournament includes eight top-ranked teams competing in a league system, with each team playing seven matches. The top four in the points table will qualify for the semi-finals based on their points total and net run rate (NRR).
Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: India’s campaign so far and current status
Team India started their campaign on a high by defeating Sri Lanka in Guwahati by 59 runs (DLS) and dominated the Pakistan In Colombo with an 88-run victory. However, momentum also declined South Africa He edged them by three wickets in Vizag, followed by Tight loss for Australia Where despite scoring 330 runs, India failed by three wickets again. These successive defeats have now left India in a must-win situation entering the final stretch of the league stage.
India is currently ranked third in the points table but will face tough encounters England, New Zealandand Bangladesh. The Women in Blue need at least two wins from these three matches to remain in strong contention for a semi-final place. With a good ranking of net returns from previous wins by a large margin, India remain in the hunt, provided they maintain consistency and register convincing wins in the upcoming matches.
Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Qualification scenarios and what should India do next?
With the league schedule congested, India’s qualification for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is all about winning momentum and managing net run rate (NRR). In this format, each win earns two points, and teams equal on points are separated by their NRR. The top four teams after the 28 group matches will qualify for the semi-finals.
Current status and upcoming dates
India is currently at a crucial juncture after playing four matches.
| metric | the details |
| Current ranking | 3rd Place on the points table |
| Matches played | 4 |
| Wins/Losses | 2 wins, 2 losses |
| points | 4 |
| Current NRR | positive |
| Remaining matches | 3 |
| Upcoming matches | England (October 19, Indore), New Zealand (October 23, Navi Mumbai), Bangladesh (October 26, Navi Mumbai) |
Qualifying scenarios
The path to the semi-finals is challenging but clear, requiring a strong finish from the host nation.
| scenario | Required victories | Total points | Probability |
| The path to win | 3 of 3 | 10 points | content Place in the semi-finals regardless of other results. |
| possible path | 2 of 3 | 8 points | Very likely To qualify, but the national qualification rate will be vital, especially if South Africa or New Zealand also reach 8 points. wins against England and New Zealand (Stronger teams) would be ideal. |
| The path of risk | 1 of 3 | 6 points | Very difficult. Qualification will depend largely on other teams’ losses and India’s NRR staying ahead of rivals like South Africa and New Zealand. |
What should India do next?
Given that Australia and England India are hot favorites for the top two spots, and the race for the remaining two spots in the semi-finals is a tight battle between India, South Africa and Pakistan. New Zealand. India’s focus must shift to implementation in all three departments.
- Prioritize wins: The immediate target is at least two more wins, and it is best to start with the crucial match against England, followed by the high-stakes clash with New Zealand. These two matches directly affect the points total of the main competitors in the playoffs.
- Strengthening the bowling unit: Despite the high scores, India’s bowling struggled in the two losses, particularly conceding the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history against Australia. The bowling depth needs urgent improvement, with emphasis on tighter lines, disciplined lengths and controlling the run rate in the middle to defend competitive totals.
- Maintain NRR Advantage: India currently has a significant positive NRR advantage (+0.682) over its closest competitors, South Africa (−0.888) and New Zealand (−0.245). They should aim for big wins (whether batting first or chasing) to increase this cushion, providing crucial insurance if they finish level on points with another team. The match against Bangladesh represents an excellent opportunity to boost the national reserve rate significantly.
Semi-finished look
If India manages to qualify, the second semi-final is scheduled to be played in Navi Mumbai on October 30. The venue for the first semi-final (October 29) and final (November 2) will be in Guwahati and Navi Mumbai, respectively, unless Pakistan qualify, in which case the knockout matches will be moved to the neutral stadium in Colombo. Despite successive defeats, India, playing on home soil, is still strong enough to plan a successful comeback and reach the final, perhaps in front of a packed home crowd.
Read also: Smriti Mandhana writes history with a stunning goal against Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup
This article was first published in WomenCricket.comA Cricket times a company.
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