India's Women's World Cup campaign is on the line as they face New Zealand in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. After three straight defeats, Harmanpreet Kaur's team sits fourth on the table with four points from five games.
A win would ease all pressure and confirm a semi-final berth. But with New Zealand on the same points tally, and two games left, India can't afford another setback.
The contest at DY Patil Stadium is shaping up as a virtual quarter-final, with both teams fighting to stay alive in the tournament.
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Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final qualification format
In this edition, each of the eight teams plays the others once, and the top four qualify for the semi-finals. India started strong with wins over Sri Lanka and Bangladesh but stumbled against Australia, South Africa, and England - all confirmed semi-finalists.
New Zealand have had a mixed run with one win, two washouts, and two defeats. Both sides now have four points, though India hold the edge on wins and net run rate.
What happens if India beat New Zealand?
It's simple - a win seals India's place in the semi-finals. That would give them six points and three wins, enough to stay ahead of other mid-table contenders even if they lose their final league game to Bangladesh.
What if India lose to New Zealand?
A defeat would complicate things. India would then need to beat Bangladesh in their last league match and hope England defeat New Zealand.
If the White Ferns beat both India and England, they will qualify instead.
Washout scenarios explained
A washout on Thursday would actually help India. Since they already have more wins than New Zealand, a shared point would keep them in the top four - especially as New Zealand's final fixture is against world No. 2 England.
If both of India's remaining games are washed out, their chances would depend entirely on England beating New Zealand. India's path to the semi-finals is still in their hands but Thursday's clash could decide everything.
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