October 13, 2025 : For the second consecutive match, India failed to defend competitive totals in the ongoing Women’s World Cup 2025 at home. After losing to South Africa with seven balls to spare in Visakhapatnam, the defending champions suffered another heartbreak at the same venue, as Australia chased down a record 331 with an over to spare. While the back-to-back losses didn’t affect India’s points-table standing, semifinal hopes are now beginning to fade.
India kicked off their campaign with a modest 59-run win in a rain-marred clash against Sri Lanka in Guwahati, before crushing Pakistan by 88 runs in Colombo. Despite these victories, flaws in India’s batting surfaced in the next two games against stronger opponents, allowing South Africa and Australia to capitalise. While the top order failed against South Africa, the lower order collapsed for just 36 runs in seven overs against Australia.
India still remain in the third spot in the points table, with four points from four games, and have a positive net run rate (+0.682) as well, but the twin losses left their campaign in danger. After much-expected wins against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the next four were always the stretch of vulnerability for India, and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side faltered in the first two, leaving their chances entirely on the impending two clashes. They face an undefeated England, placed second in the table, in Indore on Sunday, before travelling to Navi Mumbai for a game against New Zealand on October 23.
Summary:
After two consecutive defeats, India’s Women’s World Cup semifinal hopes hang by a thread. Qualification now depends on winning upcoming matches and favorable results elsewhere.