October 17, 2025 : Four matches into their Women’s World Cup 2025 campaign, hosts India find themselves in a somewhat precarious position. Two wins to begin the campaign have been followed by two losses, leaving them right on the precipice of the top four as they seek qualification through to the knockout stage.
India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, are in what feels like a three-horse race for two spots to round out the top four and head to the semifinals. Australia, winning machine that they are, have already booked their spot in the tournament’s knockouts, and England look to be fast on their heels despite a couple of stuttering performances. South Africa too have had a very strong response after an opening humiliation, and look set to go through.
With three matches left for India, here is a look at what some of the qualification scenarios are, as India find themselves in an essential head-to-head battle against New Zealand to see which team can outlast the other and reach the next round of this tournament.
Current state of the Women’s World Cup table
India stand on 4 points after 4 games, while New Zealand are on 3 points after 4 games due to a washout. India and New Zealand will first face England and Pakistan, respectively, and then play each other. They will finish off the tournament with matches against Bangladesh and England, respectively.
India win all 3 matches
The most straightforward way for India to progress is by beating all three of England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, but that is, of course, easier said than done. If India does finish with 5 wins, 10 points will be enough to send them through to the semifinals without depending on other teams.
Summary:
India must win their remaining group matches, improve net run rate, and rely on other results to secure a semifinal spot in the Women’s World Cup 2025.