The fate of India’s semifinal chances for the Women’s World Cup 2025 remains in the balance. Having opened the tournament with two wins, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team has faltered in its previous two matches, leaving them at the borderline of the top four. With the knockout phase approaching, India is in a close three-way fight with New Zealand and South Africa for the last two semifinal positions.
Australia, as powerful as ever, have already guaranteed themselves a semifinal place. England, though with some jittery performances, are moving steadily towards qualification too. South Africa, coming back impressively after a disastrous beginning, have placed themselves well in contention.
India is on 4 points from 4 games, while New Zealand is on 3 points, having had one of their games washed out by rain. The two are due to meet each other shortly, but prior to that, India has to play England while New Zealand plays Pakistan.
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What India Must do to Qualify – Match-by-Match Scenarios
When India Wins All 3 Remaining Matches
This is the easiest path. Wins against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh will put India on 10 points, which will easily ensure a semifinal berth without depending on any other outcome.
India Wins 2 and Loses 1
If India beat New Zealand and Bangladesh, they might lose to England and still make it. This route is dependent on defeating New Zealand since it would grant them the head-to-head column.
If India Wins Just 1 of the Last 3
This is where it gets complicated. If India defeats Bangladesh but loses to England and New Zealand, qualification is most unlikely. They would then be reliant on other results favoring them – particularly, New Zealand losing both to Pakistan and England.
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A Virtual Knockout: India vs New Zealand
In a way, the India-New Zealand encounter is turning out to be a do-or-die. Who wins that head-to-head will be in good position to top the semis race. India’s last match is against Bangladesh on paper, a better encounter than New Zealand’s challenging last match against England.
The formula is simple: catch up to New Zealand’s form, and then surpass them. The victor of that match will practically dictate their semifinal destiny going into the final games of group play.
