India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 has reached a dramatic crossroads after a heart-wrenching defeat to England in Indore on October 19. The co-hosts, who started the tournament as one of the favorites, now find themselves on the brink of elimination, with just two group-stage matches left to secure a coveted semifinal spot.
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s World Cup, jointly hosted by India, Sri Lanka, and Australia, features eight teams battling it out in a round-robin format. Each team faces the others once, with the top four at the end of 28 group matches advancing to the semifinals. As of now, Australia, England, and South Africa have already punched their tickets to the knockout stage, leaving India, New Zealand, and a handful of other teams scrambling for the final berth.
India’s latest loss—a nail-biter against England—has only amplified the tension. Chasing a formidable target of 289, India appeared well on course for victory for much of the match. Skipper Smriti Mandhana led from the front with a commanding 88, supported by Harmanpreet Kaur’s 70 and Deepti Sharma’s gritty 50. With 56 runs needed off 54 balls and seven wickets in hand, the home crowd dared to dream. But cricket’s unpredictability struck again. England, led by the ever-reliable Heather Knight, staged a stunning comeback, tightening the screws in the death overs and ultimately clinching a four-run victory.
Knight’s own performance was nothing short of spectacular. Marking her 300th international appearance, she anchored England’s innings with a classy 109 off 91 balls, ably supported by Amy Jones who chipped in with 56. England’s total of 288/8 was built on their captain’s foundation, but it was their bowlers who stole the show in the dying moments. A late collapse triggered by England’s relentless attack saw India’s chase unravel, with Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone delivering crucial blows in the final overs.
Reflecting on the defeat, India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur didn’t mince words. "It’s a bad feeling when you have put so much hard work in but the last 5-6 overs didn’t go according to the plan," she said after the match. "Smriti’s wicket was the turning point for us. It’s a heartbreaking moment. Credit to England. They didn’t lose hope, they kept bowling and getting wickets." Her candor captured the mood in the Indian camp—a mix of disappointment and lingering hope.
This loss marked India’s third consecutive defeat in the tournament, a sharp contrast to their bright start with back-to-back wins. Earlier, the team had stumbled against South Africa, losing by three wickets despite a valiant 94 from Richa Ghosh. That was followed by an agonizing three-wicket loss to Australia, even after piling up a massive 330 runs. The margins have been fine, but the results have left India with just four points from five matches, their net run rate at a respectable +0.526.
New Zealand, India’s primary rival for the fourth semifinal spot, also sits on four points but with a lower net run rate of -0.245. The equation is now painfully simple for India: win both remaining group matches—against New Zealand on October 23 and Bangladesh on October 26—and they are through to the semifinals, no matter what. However, any slip-up could open the door for New Zealand or even Bangladesh, depending on the results and net run rates.
Let’s break down the possible scenarios for India’s qualification:
Scenario 1: India beats both New Zealand and Bangladesh. Result: India qualifies for the semifinals regardless of other outcomes.
Scenario 2: India loses to New Zealand. In this case, India must hope New Zealand loses their final group match against England, and then India must beat Bangladesh to advance. The net run rate could become decisive if multiple teams are tied on points.
Scenario 3: India beats New Zealand but loses to Bangladesh, while New Zealand defeats England. Here, the team with the better net run rate between India and New Zealand will progress to the semifinals.
It’s a high-wire act, with every run and every wicket potentially shaping the fate of the tournament. The round-robin format, awarding two points per win and separating teams by net run rate if tied on points, has ensured that the race for the last semifinal spot remains wide open. For India, the stakes could not be higher.
The broader tournament context only adds to the drama. Australia, the defending champions, have lived up to their billing, topping the table with four wins and a commanding net run rate. England, with their flawless start and now a dramatic victory over India, have also booked their place in the last four. South Africa, rebounding from an early setback, have secured their qualification as well. For teams like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, the odds are long, but mathematical possibilities remain for a few.
The semifinals are set for October 29 and 30, with the final scheduled on November 2. If India manages to qualify, they’ll play their semifinal in Navi Mumbai. Should Pakistan advance to the knockouts, matches will be shifted to Colombo, reflecting the tournament’s flexible logistics in response to team progress.
For Indian fans, the focus now shifts to the must-win clash against New Zealand. The White Ferns, who have struggled in the tournament but remain alive thanks to a win over Bangladesh and a couple of no-results, will be equally desperate. A loss for either side would almost certainly spell the end of their World Cup dreams. And with Bangladesh still in the mix, the final group-stage match promises even more intrigue.
As the Women’s World Cup enters its decisive phase, India’s journey has become a story of resilience, heartbreak, and hope. The players know what’s at stake. The fans do too. The next two matches will test not just skills but nerves, strategy, and perhaps a little bit of luck. Can India dig deep and script a turnaround? The answer will unfold on the field, where every ball counts and every moment could make history.
For now, the Indian team must regroup, learn from their near misses, and channel their frustration into focused performances. The path to the semifinals is still open—but it’s a narrow one, with no margin for error. All eyes are on Indore and beyond, as the Women’s World Cup 2025 delivers yet another chapter of high-stakes cricketing drama.