England qualified for the semi-finals of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 by defeating India by 4 runs in a thrilling game on Sunday (October 19). They became the third team behind Australia and South Africa to book their place in the next round of the tournament.
Batting first, England made a huge score of 288/8 in the stipulated 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant century by its former captain Heather Knight. In reply, India put up a valiant effort but ultimately lost and finished at 284/6.
With three semi-final spots already taken, the other five teams including India will now compete for the remaining one spot. Other teams in the race for the semi-finals are New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan.
Also read: No Rohit Sharma!! Virat Kohli took over the captaincy of India from Shubman Gill in the middle of ODI vs Australia.
Here is the points table of the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025:
| Team | Matchbox | won | lost | N.R. | score | NRR |
| Australia (Q) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1.818 |
| England (Q) | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1.49 |
| South Africa (Q) | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 8 | -0.44 |
| India | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0.526 |
| new zealand | 5 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | -0.245 |
| bangladesh | 5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 2 | -0.676 |
| Sri Lanka | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -1.564 |
| Pakistan | 5 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 | -1.887 |
With the race heating up for the one remaining semi-final spot, we’re taking a look at what the five teams need to progress ahead of the league stage.
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 – Qualification Scenario:
India:
Remaining matches – New Zealand, Bangladesh
India were one of the favorites to win the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, but their campaign is in danger of being completely derailed after three consecutive defeats. They started their campaign with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, before losing to South Africa, Australia and England.
Although India have tightened their belts, they are still in a strong position to qualify for the next round. If they beat New Zealand and Bangladesh in their remaining matches, they will enter the semi-finals. Even if they beat New Zealand in their next game, they will still be assured of a top-four finish.
If the win against New Zealand is followed by an unexpected defeat against Bangladesh, India will qualify if they manage to stay ahead on net-run rate.
If India lost to New Zealand but beat Bangladesh, they would qualify if England beat the White Ferns before that. In that case, India will qualify on the basis of more wins.
New Zealand Women:
Remaining matches: India, England
Of all the five teams, New Zealand certainly has the toughest fixtures. They will face India and England in their remaining league matches. Their next match against India is virtually a knockout. The fate of New Zealand is also in their hands. If they win their remaining matches they will qualify for the next round.
On the other hand, defeat by India will end their journey in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Also, if they beat India but lose to England in their final league game then they will reach the semi-finals.
In the second scenario, they would like Sri Lanka to beat Bangladesh and then Bangladesh register a surprise win over India.
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan:
Remaining matches for Bangladesh: Sri Lanka, India
Remaining matches for Sri Lanka: Bangladesh, Pakistan
Pakistan’s remaining matches: South Africa, Sri Lanka
Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan occupy the bottom three positions in the points table and all of them need a win. The losing team in the upcoming match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh will become the first team to be eliminated from the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
If Bangladesh wins its remaining two matches and New Zealand beats India before losing to England, it will qualify for the next round. In that case, both Bangladesh and New Zealand would finish on six points, but Bangladesh would qualify on the basis of more wins.
If India beats New Zealand, Bangladesh will have to register a big win over Sri Lanka to improve their net run rate. They will face India in their final league game and that will straighten out the equation for them.
On the other hand, the chances of Sri Lanka and Pakistan qualifying for the next round are extremely slim. One of these two teams can finish with a maximum of six points. Even that won’t be enough to make it to the next round.
Their fate is no longer in their own hands. If India beats New Zealand then both of them will be out.
