India’s campaign in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 has been an emotional rollercoaster with bold starts and some heartbreaks in recent matches forcing the hosts into a do-or-die situation for semi-final qualification. From the very first game in Guwahati, India team provided hope and inspiration as they defeated the co-host Sri Lanka by 59 runs through the DLS method.
This early success demonstrated India’s depth and intent, as Deepti Sharma’s all-round excellence paired with powerful batting efforts from Amanjot Kaur was the highlight of the match. Riding the tide, the team then stormed arch-rivals Pakistan by a commanding 88-run margin, thrilling the home crowd and temporarily putting themselves as a force to be reckoned with for the semi-finals.
But soon, the tide quickly turned, revealing weaknesses and reigniting old fears. Their third match was a disappointing loss to South Africa, where they were unable to defend the total score although Richa Ghosh’s brilliant batting performance of 94 runs off 77 balls helped the team to put 251 on board but South Africa chased it in 48.5 overs and had a convincing win by 3 wickets.
The fourth match against the world champions Australia witnessed the openers Pratika Rawal and Mandhana putting up a strong foundation through a 155-run partnership and put 330 runs for Australia to chase. Even though they were perfectly placed to secure a successful win in that match, Australia proved why they are the seven times World champions, they chased down the total in 49 overs, recording the highest successful run chase in women ODI cricket history.
The agony was compounded in Indore against England, where India narrowly missed the target. Smriti Mandhana was breathtaking, making 88 from 94 deliveries, and Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a swift 70, yet England, headed by Heather Knight’s hundred, overcame India by four runs. This third consecutive defeat dented the confidence of the team and had fans left in utter dismay, as the Holkar Stadium crowd watched yet another match slip through India’s hands.
India is currently at fourth position in the points table with four points from five games (two wins, three defeats) and +0.526 NRR. Australia, England, and South Africa have already qualified for the semi-finals, focusing attention on the hosts and their destiny. India’s path to the knockouts now requires a win in both the remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Even so, their progress may be open to NRR computations and rival performances, particularly with New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s chase for the final position.
All eyes will be on the clash on 23rd Oct between India vs New Zealand in DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. If India wins against New Zealand, the team will seal their place in the semi-finals, taking their tally to six points with one league match remaining. This victory would not only restore momentum after recent setbacks but also lift morale and renew the belief of fans. With their fate back in their own hands, Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad could approach the final group match against Bangladesh with greater freedom and confidence, focusing on fine-tuning combinations before the knockouts.
On the other hand, if India loses to New Zealand, their path to the semi-finals becomes much more complex and uncertain. The team would need to win their final match against Bangladesh and then rely on other results, particularly hoping for New Zealand to lose their remaining fixtures, to force a tie on points. Then the scenario will focus on matches won and NRR of the teams to secure a semifinals spot.
In conclusion, India’s World Cup campaign is at a crossroads, full of promise but troubled by familiar challenges. The hosts have to find depth within and grab their “do-or-die” situations, utilizing home advantage and tactical acumen to prove themselves. The coming two games are not just fixtures, both are the greatest tests for Harmanpreet Kaur’s team, with millions watching and keeping fingers crossed for Women in Blue to create history in this World Cup by lifting the trophy.
Loves all things female cricket