Team India’s unbeaten run in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 came to an end with a narrow three-wicket loss to South Africa in Visakhapatnam. After two consecutive wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, this defeat has pushed Harmanpreet Kaur’s side to third place on the points table with four points from three matches.
India’s next challenge is nothing short of massive — a high-voltage clash against Australia on October 12 in Visakhapatnam, followed by encounters against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Each game from here on carries knockout-level importance.
Qualification Equation: What India Needs to Do
With the Women’s World Cup format featuring eight teams playing once against each other, only the top four sides will progress to the semifinals. India, with two wins and one loss, needs to win at least three of their remaining four matches to confirm a place in the final four.
A second defeat could make things tricky, leaving India dependent on net run rate (NRR) and other teams’ results — a scenario reminiscent of the 2022 World Cup, when India was eliminated despite four wins.
Must-Win Matches Ahead
The upcoming matches against Australia and England will be pivotal in shaping India’s semifinal hopes. Both sides are among the top contenders, and victories against them would give India a huge boost in confidence and points.
The final two fixtures against New Zealand and Bangladesh will still carry weight, especially if India slips up earlier. Every run and wicket will matter as the tournament edges closer to its knockout stage.
Focus on Consistency and Composure
Despite the setback against South Africa, India’s campaign remains alive. The team has shown fighting spirit, particularly in the middle order led by Richa Ghosh, whose 94-run knock nearly rescued India last match. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur has emphasized the need for composure and responsibility from the top order ahead of the crunch fixtures.
As the Women’s World Cup 2025 heats up, India’s journey to the semifinals will test not just their skill but their mental strength. The next few days will determine whether Harmanpreet and her squad can script another memorable comeback on the world stage
