Team India’s qualification for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is under scrutiny after losing back-to-back matches against South Africa and Australia.

So, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team should win the remaining three games in the league phase against England (on October 19), New Zealand (on October 23), and Bangladesh (on October 26) to secure a top-four finish in the points table.

It becomes clear that the outcomes of the forthcoming clashes will certainly impact India’s knockout chances.

With Australia and England ranking in the top two spots, a three-way contest is on the way, where South Africa, India, and New Zealand are still in contention.

Before taking a look at India’s qualification scenario, let’s find out the competitors that rank closer to India in the points table.

Teams Closer to India’s Standings in Points Table

Currently, England and South Africa rank in second and third position individually in the points table by securing 6 points each.

However, England’s superior net-run-rate of +1.864 compared to South Africa (-0.618 NRR) makes the former champions rank below Australia (7 points and +1.353 NRR). Team India, having secured only 2 out of 4 wins, ranks fourth with 4 points and +0.682 NRR.

India’s Qualification Scenario for Women’s World Cup 2025 Knockouts

Here are the following scenarios that explain India’s qualification chances for the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final:

3 Wins Out of 3 Matches (100% Qualification)

Securing victories against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh would guarantee India’s entry into the knockouts.

Winning each of their remaining matches would enhance India’s tally to 10 points and seal a berth in the semi-final without needing to depend on other team results.

However, a top-two finish is unlikely to happen with Australia topping the rankings in the points table and England currently securing its spot at second position.

2 Wins Out of 3 Matches (75% Qualification)

Winning 2 out of 3 games would elevate their tally upto 8 points. In such circumstances, the net-run-rate plays a crucial role in determining the outcome.

To explain in simple terms, India can afford only one loss and should be able to defeat New Zealand and Bangladesh to avoid their NRR dip further.

However, England and South Africa, still being in contention, are yet to face their toughest clash against Australia. So, India should expect a favorable outcome from either of the teams to qualify for the knockouts by winning 2 out of their remaining 3 matches.

1 Win Out of 3 Matches (100% ELIMINATION)

India winning just one of their remaining 3 matches would straight away eliminate them from the tournament. In such a scenario, the hosts’ campaign would get concluded only with 6 points, thereby making it highly difficult to qualify for the subsequent rounds.

The women-in-blue are yet to win their maiden ICC trophy and cannot afford to face yet another elimination from the knockouts race, likewise to the previous edition in 2022.

Favorable Factor for India in Women’s World Cup 2025

Currently, Team India boasts a healthy net-run-rate of +0.682 compared to South Africa (-0.618), New Zealand (-0.245), and Bangladesh (-0.263)

India can still expect results in their favor only if they manage to win at least two out of three games.

Suppose India’s qualification to the subsequent rounds depends upon net-run-rate, then there is an added advantage. Their last league stage match against Bangladesh on October 26 will provide clarity on whether they need to bat or bowl first to bolster their NRR.

At the same time, Harmanpreet and her women should be cautious not to lose both their matches to New Zealand and England, which could directly conclude their campaign before their clash against Bangladesh.

5-Bowler Strategy a Threat to India Women’s WC Campaign? Former Head Coach Explains

W. V. Raman, Team India’s former head coach, supported the Indian management’s five-bowler strategy in playing XI that could help them qualify for the knockouts despite the increasing criticisms:

“Yeah! The real challenge for them would only be there if they disturb the entire batting combination by strengthening the bowling attack. So, they should look for the best sixth bowling option.

It is not at all an easy decision to make. Also, implementing quick changes to your plans after losing a couple of matches can lead to more problems,” Raman said.

Conclusion

With three more matches to go, the Indian women’s team needs to put in all their efforts and give their best performance to recover from the recent setbacks.

As the path to the knockouts is still within the range, all Harmanpreet Kaur and her team need to do is hold their nerves under pressure and deliver strong performances to secure convincing victories.