Women’s World Cup 2025: India’s Path to Semifinals Explained

Four matches into the Women’s World Cup 2025, hosts India find themselves in a delicate spot. After starting with two wins, back-to-back losses have left them teetering on the edge of the top four as they fight to qualify for the knockout stage.

Harmanpreet Kaur’s side is essentially in a three-way contest for the final two semifinal spots alongside England and South Africa. Australia have already secured their place in the knockouts, while England, despite inconsistent performances, remain in contention. South Africa have bounced back strongly after an opening defeat, positioning themselves as serious contenders.

With three matches remaining, India’s path to the semifinals will hinge on a crucial head-to-head showdown with New Zealand. Here’s a look at the current scenarios:

Current Table Status

• India: 4 points from 4 games

• New Zealand: 3 points from 4 games (one washout)

India and New Zealand face England and Pakistan, respectively, before clashing against each other. India finish the group stage against Bangladesh, while New Zealand conclude against England.

Qualification Scenarios

1. India Win All 3 Matches
Beating England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh would be the simplest route. Finishing with 5 wins and 10 points would secure a semifinal spot without relying on other results.

2. India Win 2, Lose 1
If India beat New Zealand next week, winning two of their remaining three matches could be enough to progress. A loss to England would not be fatal as long as they defeat the Black Ferns. However, a New Zealand win in that clash, echoing last year’s T20 World Cup result, would sharply reduce India’s chances.

3. India Lose 2, Win 1
Even if India lose their next two matches against England and New Zealand, they remain technically in contention, though the scenario becomes complicated. They would need Pakistan to beat New Zealand and hope England also defeats New Zealand to have a chance at qualification.

4. Winner-Takes-All Against New Zealand
Ultimately, India’s fate will largely depend on matching New Zealand’s results in their upcoming matches. The head-to-head clash will act as a decider: the winner gains a significant advantage, while the loser faces a tougher final group game. For India, the last match against Bangladesh is more manageable compared to New Zealand finishing against England.

The stakes could not be higher as India prepare to face New Zealand in a pivotal match that could define their semifinal hopes.