NEW DELHI: India’s Women’s World Cup dream is hanging by a thread following a gut-wrenching four-run loss to England. That defeat, which was India's third straight, secured England's place in the semi-finals and left only one spot remaining in the final four.
'Heartbreaking loss': Harmanpreet Kaur after India's third consecutive defeat in World Cup
Despite captain Smriti Mandhana and batters Harmanpreet Kaur and Deepti Sharma all scoring half-centuries in the chase, the team fell just short of the 289-run target.
Current standings and key fixtures
The fight for that last semi-final place is now a contest between India and New Zealand. Both teams have the same number of points, but India holds a valuable lead in the tie-breaker score (formally called Net Run Rate, or NRR). This margin means if the teams finish with equal points, India is currently favored to move ahead.
India has two critical games left: a must-win clash with New Zealand on Thursday, followed by their last game against Bangladesh.
India's qualification scenarios
Here is a breakdown of the three simple ways India can still reach the semi-finals:
1. The guaranteed path (Win both games)
If India wins both their remaining matches, nothing else matters—they automatically qualify.
India beats New Zealand.
India beats Bangladesh.
Result: India is guaranteed a spot in the semi-finals.
2. The reliance on England (If India loses to New Zealand)
If the New Zealand game doesn't go India's way, they need help from the already-qualified English team.
India loses to New Zealand.
India must beat Bangladesh in their final game.
New Zealand must lose their last game against England.
Result: India moves on, provided these three results fall into place.
3. The NRR shootout (Mixed results)
This outcome is the trickiest, as it brings the tie-breaker score into play.
India beats New Zealand.
India loses to Bangladesh.
New Zealand beats England in their final match.
Result: Both India and New Zealand will finish on the same points. The team with the better tie-breaker score will go through. Since India has the lead right now, winning against New Zealand is key to building a high enough score to ensure they win the tie-breaker.
The upcoming match against New Zealand is absolutely crucial—it’s the decider. If India wins, they take a massive step toward the semi-finals.
