India’s journey to the semi-finals of the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2, has ignited fierce anticipation among fans and pundits alike.
With Harmanpreet Kaur leading a talented side that started with commanding victories over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, India faced setbacks against South Africa, Australia, and England, but remains in the semi-final hunt. After five matches, India sits fourth on the table with 4 points, facing crucial encounters against New Zealand and Bangladesh that will determine their fate.
Scenario 1: Win Vs New Zealand.
India can secure their place in the semi-finals in the most straightforward fashion by defeating New Zealand at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on October 23rd. A victory guarantees progression to the next phase, reflecting India’s ability to bounce back under pressure and convert their attacking intent into results.
Scenario 2: What if India doesn’t get over the line against New Zealand?
Should India lose to New Zealand, their hopes hinge on winning their final game against Bangladesh and needing New Zealand to lose to England in the remainder of the league stage. This scenario underscores the importance of not only India’s own performance but also the results in other matches, adding further drama to the closing fixtures.
Scenario 3: Washout vs New Zealand & Win vs Bangladesh.
If rain or other circumstances result in a washout against New Zealand but India wins versus Bangladesh, they will qualify for the semi-finals. Such a result highlights the significance of India’s each fixture in the league stage and how the weather could unexpectedly favour their campaign.
Scenario 4: Washout vs New Zealand & Lose vs Bangladesh.
A washout against New Zealand, paired with a defeat to Bangladesh, puts qualification outside India’s immediate control. For India to progress, they will require both New Zealand and Sri Lanka to lose their final matches, against England and Pakistan, respectively. This chain-reaction scenario keeps the window open, but places India at the mercy of other results.
Scenario 5: Washout vs New Zealand & Bangladesh.
In the most complex scenario, if both New Zealand and Bangladesh matches are washed out, India can only qualify if England defeats New Zealand. This route emphasises the razor-thin margins and unpredictable elements influencing tournament outcomes.
Statistical Leaders and Squad Contributions So Far in the Tournament.
Left-handed opener Smriti Mandhana has been in sublime form, leading India’s run charts with 222 runs at a strike rate of 94.87 and averaging 44.40, bolstered by two half-centuries. Deepti Sharma’s off-spin brilliance has yielded 13 wickets at 19.69, making her the second-highest wicket-taker overall and the anchor of India’s bowling unit. Besides her exploits with the ball, her match-saving contributions with the bat, scoring 133 runs at a strike rate of 81.59 and an average of 26.60 in five innings, including a couple of half-centuries, have been creating a significant all-round impact in the team’s performances so far.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s determined leadership and resilience have seen her score 141 runs at 85.97, with a vital half-century against England. Pratika Rawal has been consistent at the top of the order, scoring 186 runs at a strike rate of 70.99 and an average of 37.20 in five innings, with the bat for her side so far in the tournament. Richa Ghosh’s dynamic lower-order hitting and consistent finishing touches, highlighted by a strike rate of 126.66 and a crucial 94 against South Africa, have injected valuable momentum into India’s campaign.
As the tournament heats up, India’s semi-final qualification rests not only on their on-field performances but also on permutations driven by results involving rivals and possible weather disruptions. With their next two matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh effectively deciding their World Cup destiny, fans and analysts will watch closely for every twist, knowing that Harmanpreet Kaur’s team still holds the power to script a remarkable turnaround and march into the knockouts.
I am Yash Tailor, and I believe work should be driven by passion. Therefore, after completing my Engineering, I chose to work in the Cricket industry, my passion. My goal is to reach a stage where I truly enjoy what I do and give my best to every task with energy and purpose.