India’s dream run as hosts of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is hanging by a thread. After back-to-back defeats to powerhouses Australia and South Africa, the Indian women’s cricket team now faces a do-or-die stretch in the tournament. While they currently sit third on the points table, their path to the semi-finals has become significantly steeper—and every upcoming match is essentially a final.
Women’s World Cup: The Road to Redemption
The Women’s World Cup campaign began with sky-high expectations for Team India, buoyed by home support and strong pre-tournament form. But reality hit hard with a 72-run loss to Australia followed by a tense 6-wicket defeat at the hands of South Africa. Now, with just three matches left in the group stage, the math is clear: India needs at least two wins—preferably against England and New Zealand—to keep their semi-final hopes alive.
Current Standings Snapshot
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| South Africa | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| India | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| England | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
Note: Points system = 2 for a win, 0 for a loss. Net Run Rate (NRR) will be the tiebreaker.
Crucial Fixtures Ahead
India’s remaining schedule is unforgiving but not impossible:
- vs England – A must-win. England is inconsistent but dangerous, especially with the ball.
- vs New Zealand – Another critical opportunity. The White Ferns have struggled so far but can’t be underestimated.
- vs West Indies – Likely the most winnable game, assuming form holds.
If India wins all three, they’re almost guaranteed a semi spot. Two wins could still be enough—depending on results from other matches and net run rate.
What Went Wrong?
Against Australia, India’s batting collapsed under pressure, managing just 189 all out. Against South Africa, a promising start unraveled in the middle overs. Fielding lapses and missed run-out chances also proved costly. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur admitted post-match: “We’re creating chances but not finishing them.”
On the bright side, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have shown glimpses of brilliance, while Renuka Singh’s opening spell against South Africa was world-class.
Fan Pressure and Home Advantage
Playing at home is a double-edged sword. While the crowd support is electric—especially in packed venues like Mumbai’s Wankhede and Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium—the expectations are immense. Every dot ball is met with silence; every wicket with roars. Managing that emotional rollercoaster will be key for the young squad.
Expert Take
Former India batter Anjum Chopra noted: “This team has the talent, but they need composure in crunch moments. The next two games will define their legacy in this World Cup.”
Bottom Line
Yes, India’s Women’s World Cup semi-final dream is still alive—but on life support. With discipline, sharper execution, and a bit of luck, the hosts can stage a dramatic comeback. But time is running out.