ICC Women's World Cup 2025: How can India qualify for semis?

India's Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign is poised for a crucial moment, currently sitting fourth with four points after four matches. India faced back-to-back defeats to South Africa and Australia.

Image | BCCI Women on X

After an eventful start to their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign, India find themselves in a challenging yet recoverable position. With four points from as many games and a net run rate of +0.682, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side currently sis fourth on the table, one of only three teams boasting a positive NRR. Despite back-to-back defeats to South Africa and Australia, the hosts have shown glimpses of brilliance that suggest qualification for the semifinals remains very much within reach.

The journey so far

India opened their campaign impressively, banking early wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan to build early momentum. Smriti Mandhana, now the fastest Indian woman to 5,000 runs in ODIs, produced trademark class at the top. Youngster Pratika Rawal partnered her with flair, the duo stitching a commanding 157-run opening stand against Australia, their highest-ever in Women’s World Cup history.

However, consecutive losses have exposed lapses in middle-order conversion and death-overs bowling, leaving room for refinement.

In the thriller against Australia, India posted a record 330, powered by contributions from Mandhana, Rawal, Harleen Deol, and Richa Ghosh, only to see the Aussies chase it down in historic fashion.

Despite defeat, the performance highlighted India’s ability to challenge the best batting units on equal footing, especially with players like Richa Ghosh displaying fearless aggression at the death.

The qualification equation

Heading into their final two group-stage fixtures, India’s path to the knockout stage is straightforward but demanding. With eight teams competing in a single-league format, the top four qualify for the semifinals. India, with two wins already, likely need at least two more victories from their remaining matches against England and New Zealand to ensure a safe passage.

Their strong net run rate (+0.682) acts as a crucial cushion, especially in the event of tied points with other mid-table sides like South Africa or England. A win against the currently unbeaten English team would make a huge statement and virtually eliminate one of their direct semifinal rivals. On the other hand, beating New Zealand, a side struggling for consistency, would not only cement India’s qualification hopes but also build valuable momentum heading into the business end.

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Key players and tactical focus

India’s batting unit has shown immense promise, led by the experienced Mandhana along with emerging stars like Rawal, Harleen Deol, and Richa Ghosh. The lower-order contributions from Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana remain pivotal, particularly in ensuring solid finishes.

With the ball, Rana’s variations and Deepti’s control in the middle overs have been the backbone, while Kranti Gaud and young left-armer Sree Charani have impressed with breakthroughs against top teams.

Head coach Amol Mazumdar emphasised post-Australia defeat that the “finish of the game” remains India’s biggest lesson, noting that a few runs or tighter overs could have changed outcomes. The intent now must translate into execution. Bowling discipline, sharper fielding, and composure in clutch overs could be the difference between a semifinal spot and an early exit.

The bigger picture

Despite recent setbacks, India’s campaign has been filled with promise. Their batting depth, youthful energy, and positive net run rate place them firmly in contention.

If the experienced core of Mandhana, Harmanpreet, and Deepti can align with the younger stars’ momentum, India’s dream of clinching a maiden Women’s World Cup on home soil remains alive.

Strong finishes against England and New Zealand could not only secure qualification but also announce India’s transformation from potential contenders to genuine title favourites — a turnaround well within their grasp.

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