How India Can Still Qualify for Women’s World Cup Semifinals After Losing to England
England’s win means now three teams have qualified for the semis and the defeat for India leaves them in a delicate position, as far as their semi-final qualifications are concerned.
Sports News: India’s hopes of making it to the Women’s World Cup semifinals are hanging by a thread after another close defeat. Chasing 289 against England in Indore on Sunday, India fell just four runs short, marking their third straight loss in the tournament. With this win, England joined South Africa and Australia in the semifinals, leaving only one remaining spot. India now stand fourth in the points table with four points from five matches (NRR +0.526), while New Zealand also have four points but a lower net run-rate (-0.245). The loss has put India, who are co-hosts and pre-tournament favourites, in a difficult position. Their semifinal chances now depend heavily on the results of the remaining group matches.
India’s Remaining Matches
India will play New Zealand next on Thursday, followed by their last group game against Bangladesh on October 26. If India win both games, they will secure a place in the semifinals without depending on other results. If they lose to New Zealand, they will need New Zealand to lose their final match against England and then beat Bangladesh to go through. There is also another possibility if India beat New Zealand but lose to Bangladesh, and New Zealand defeat England, then the team with the higher net run-rate will qualify for the semifinals.
Qualification Scenarios
Scenario 1 – Win Both Matches
India defeat New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Result: India qualifies directly for the semifinals, regardless of other results.
Scenario 2 – Lose to New Zealand
India lose to New Zealand, but New Zealand lose to England.
India must then beat Bangladesh to qualify.
Scenario 3 – Beat New Zealand, Lose to Bangladesh
India beat New Zealand but lose to Bangladesh.
If New Zealand then beat England, the team with the better net run-rate between India and New Zealand will reach the semifinals.
How the Match Against England Slipped Away
India seemed well on track for victory during their chase. Captain Smriti Mandhana led with a strong 88, while Harmanpreet Kaur scored 70 and Deepti Sharma added 50. With 56 runs needed off 54 balls and seven wickets in hand, India looked in control. But England made a stunning comeback to grab the win.
For England, skipper Heather Knight scored a brilliant 109 off 91 balls in her 300th international match, with Amy Jones contributing 56 runs. India’s bowlers caused a late collapse, but Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone helped England hold on in the final overs. “It’s disappointing when you’ve worked so hard but can’t finish well in the last few overs,” said Harmanpreet after the game. “Smriti’s wicket was the turning point. It’s heartbreaking, but credit to England—they kept believing and taking wickets.”
