Trending:

How India can enter Women's World Cup semifinal after defeat against England

FirstCricket Staff October 20, 2025, 10:57:56 IST

India’s path to the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup semifinals has become tricky after a narrow four-run loss to England on Sunday. With only one semifinal spot left, here’s what India must do to qualify.

Advertisement
India started the Women’s World Cup 2025 with two wins from two matches, but then lost three in a row. Image: AP
India started the Women’s World Cup 2025 with two wins from two matches, but then lost three in a row. Image: AP

India’s chances of making it to the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup semifinals have now become very tricky after another close defeat. India were chasing 289 runs against England but fell short by just four runs on Sunday. This is India’s third straight loss in the tournament.

England, on the other hand, became the third team to qualify for the semifinals alongside Australia and South Africa. Now only one spot remains for the semifinals, and India still have a chance to reach the last four with New Zealand, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan also in contention.

STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

How can India qualify for semifinals?

Currently, India are in fourth place in the Women’s World Cup points table with four points from five matches and a net run-rate of 0.526. Their main rival for the last semifinal spot is New Zealand, who also have four points from five matches but a negative net run-rate of -0.245.

India’s next match is against New Zealand on Thursday in Navi Mumbai, and their last game is against Bangladesh on October 26. If India win both their remaining matches, they will finish with 8 points and directly qualify for the semifinals.

However, if India lose to New Zealand, then their hopes will depend on the White Ferns losing their last league stage match against England. In that case, India would need to beat Bangladesh and hope for the best.

If India beat New Zealand but lose to Bangladesh, and New Zealand defeat England, then the team with the better net run-rate between India and New Zealand will make it to the semifinals.

If one or both of India’s remaining games are washed out, they could still qualify if England beat New Zealand. India will also need to have a better net run-rate than other teams tied on points.

QUICK LINKS

Home Video Shorts Live TV