Women’s World Cup 2025: India Women face a tough road to the semis — here’s what they need after consecutive defeats.
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has reached a crucial phase, with teams battling fiercely for a spot in the semi-finals. India Women, despite beginning with promise, now find themselves in a must-win situation after inconsistent performances in the group stage.
As the round-robin format nears its climax, India’s road to the semi-finals depends not only on winning their remaining matches but also on maintaining a healthy net run rate (NRR).
India Women’s journey so far
After four matches, India stand fourth on the points table with four points, having won two and lost two. Australia, England, and South Africa occupy the top three positions, with India currently holding a net run rate (NRR) of +0.682.
The team began the campaign with a commanding win over Sri Lanka and followed up with another victory against Pakistan. However, successive defeats to Australia and South Africa caused concern.
Current scenario
The points table paints a clear picture of the semi-final race. Australia lead with 9 points (NRR +1.818), England follow with 7 points (+1.864), South Africa have 8 points (-0.618), and India stand on 4 points (+0.682). New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan are further behind and need miracles to stay alive.
With each team playing seven matches, India’s next three encounters, against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, are crucial. Two wins in these games could push India to 8 points, which might be enough for a semi-final berth, provided their net run rate remains competitive. However, winning all three matches would almost ensure India’s spot in the semis without relying on others.
What India Women need to do
The qualification equation is fairly simple: India must win at least two of their remaining three matches to have a 70% chance of qualifying for the semi-finals. A third win would virtually seal their spot. However, a single loss could push them into a net run rate tangle with New Zealand and South Africa.
Beyond just results, India’s performances need to be more convincing. Their middle-order inconsistencies and lack of big partnerships have left the bowling unit under pressure. To advance, the team need to play proactive, fearless cricket, something that has been missing since their loss to Australia.
Read More: Women’s World Cup 2025: India’s misfiring middle order might hurt them against stronger opponents
Underperforming core
The backbone of India’s batting, Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Jemimah Rodrigues, are yet to deliver in this tournament.
Mandhana, usually India’s anchor, has managed just 102 runs in 4 matches at an average below 26. Harmanpreet, who was expected to lead from the front, has only scored 87 runs. Rodrigues, too, has struggled with timing and consistency, gathering 76 runs at an average in the mid-20s.
The revival of the core batting group has become a necessity now. Mandhana has shown good touch, but needs solid support from the likes of Harmanpreet and Rodrigues, along with Richa Ghosh to provide the finishing touch.
Psychological factor
Beyond technical adjustments, the team’s biggest challenge remains mindset. Following the heartbreak of close defeats, there seems to be an element of defensive play instead of assertive intent.
Harmanpreet Kaur, known for her composure, must rekindle her aggressive leadership style, inspiring confidence in the dressing room. The emphasis should be on playing fearless cricket, rotating strike effectively, minimising dot balls, and capitalising on scoring opportunities.
Also, India should hold their head high as they are still a lot into the dynamics. A little surge in their game would fix a spot in the semi-finals.
Read More: India’s lower order have put up rescue acts in first 3 games in WWC 2025; What’s making them tick?
Challenges in bowling
The lack of a clear five-bowler strategy has sometimes left the team exposed. In a tournament of this intensity, relying on part-timers can be risky.
India need to settle on a strong quintet comprising Amanjot Kaur, Deepti Sharma, and Kranti Goud. A good bowling combination should offer balance, pace upfront, spin in the middle, and variety in the death overs.
Consistency in bowling selection is crucial for momentum. Rotating the attack too frequently has prevented bowlers from building rhythm, something India must correct immediately.
Challenges from other teams
While India focuses on their own qualification, the fortunes of other teams could also play a role. England and South Africa, with higher points and favourable run rates, are almost certain semi-final contenders.
New Zealand, currently fifth, could challenge India if they win all their remaining matches. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are mathematical outsiders, while Pakistan is virtually out of the race.
Therefore, India’s best route remains self-reliance, winning comprehensively rather than depending on other results. The upcoming fixture against England could be decisive. A victory there would not only boost India’s points but also dent England’s surge, directly opening up the qualification path.
Read More: Women’s World Cup 2025: Are India missing an impact player like Shafali Verma at the top?
