The road to the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India is reaching its final stretch, and the ongoing Qualifier tournament in Lahore has delivered a gripping contest with only two precious spots left for the marquee event. The tournament has seen commanding wins, nerve-wracking upsets, and standout individual performances, making every remaining match crucial in deciding who books their ticket to India. Six teams are still mathematically in contention, and the final few fixtures will be the ultimate test of nerve, form, and strategy.
Pakistan sits at the top of the table with 3 wins from 3 matches, accumulating 6 points and an impressive net run rate of +0.856. Their dominance has been clear with victories over Scotland by 38 runs, Ireland by 6 wickets, and West Indies by 65 runs. Pakistan’s campaign has been marked by collective team efforts, with key players stepping up in different matches. With matches against Thailand and Bangladesh still to come, just one more win will put them in a commanding position for qualification, though the hosts will want to leave nothing to chance.
Bangladesh have also made a strong case for qualification with 2 wins in 2 games, giving them 4 points and the best net run rate in the tournament at +1.899. A 178-run demolition of Thailand boosted their NRR considerably, followed by a tense 2-wicket win over Ireland. However, their remaining fixtures are among the toughest, facing West Indies, Scotland, and Pakistan. Winning two of those would almost certainly secure qualification, but even one win could be enough if other results go in their favour and net run rate calculations swing their way.
Scotland have proven to be one of the most determined sides, notching up 2 wins and a single loss from their 3 outings, giving them 4 points and a net run rate of +0.448. They stunned West Indies with an 11-run victory and beat Thailand by 58 runs, with only a loss to Pakistan blotting an otherwise impressive campaign. Their route to the World Cup depends heavily on the next two fixtures against Bangladesh and Ireland. Winning both will guarantee them a spot, while a single loss may push them into relying on net run rate to progress.
West Indies, the champions of the last edition, find themselves on shaky ground. With 1 win and 2 losses, they have 2 points and a net run rate of -0.526. They began with a surprising loss to Scotland, edged out Ireland by 6 runs in a thriller, and were then beaten comprehensively by Pakistan. Their remaining matches against Bangladesh and Thailand are now must-wins. Given their negative NRR, West Indies will likely have to win both remaining games convincingly to keep their qualification hopes alive and not leave it to the uncertainty of other results.
Ireland have had a disappointing campaign, losing all three of their games to Pakistan, West Indies, and Bangladesh. Despite coming close in two of those contests—falling to Bangladesh by 2 wickets and West Indies by just 6 runs—they remain winless and out of the qualification race with 0 points and a net run rate of -0.417. While they still have fixtures against Scotland and Thailand, victories in those matches will serve only as consolation and a chance to salvage pride.
Thailand’s dream of qualifying for their first-ever Women’s World Cup has taken a heavy hit. With 2 losses from 2 matches and a net run rate of -2.360, they are currently at the bottom of the standings. Their campaign was marred by a crushing 178-run defeat to Bangladesh and a 58-run loss to Scotland. However, hope still lingers, as they are set to face West Indies, Pakistan, and Ireland in their remaining matches. A clean sweep might just keep their slim hopes alive, though the massive dent in their NRR means they will also be depending on other results and mathematical miracles.
As of match 8, Pakistan leads the points table with 3 wins and 6 points, followed by Bangladesh and Scotland with 4 points each—Bangladesh having played only two matches and holding a superior net run rate of +1.899 compared to Scotland’s +0.448. West Indies sit in fourth with 2 points and an NRR of -0.007, while Ireland and Thailand remain winless at the bottom of the table with 0 points and negative NRRs of -0.417 and -2.360 respectively. The top two teams at the end of the league stage will join Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka at the main tournament in India later this year.
Individual performances have also lit up the competition. Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce is the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 157 runs from 3 games. Close on her heels are Bangladesh’s captain Nigar Sultana with 152 runs from just 2 matches and Pakistan’s Aliya Riaz with 140 runs. Among the bowlers, Hayley Matthews of West Indies has been sensational, picking up 10 wickets from 3 games and also scoring 137 runs. Pakistan skipper Fatima Sana and Scotland’s Katherine Fraser follow closely with 7 wickets each from 3 matches.
The remaining fixtures will now determine the final outcome. Apart from the ongoing Ireland vs Thailand clash on April 15, Scotland will face Bangladesh in the double-header. April 17 will see Bangladesh take on West Indies and Pakistan go up against Thailand. On April 18, Ireland will meet Scotland, followed by a double-header on April 19 featuring Pakistan vs Bangladesh and West Indies vs Thailand. With only two spots available, the battle lines are drawn, and the tension couldn’t be higher. Every run scored and every wicket taken from here on will carry the weight of World Cup dreams.
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