The 13th edition of the ICC Women's World Cup is underway across India and Sri Lanka with eight teams battling it out in a round-robin format. Defending champions Australia began strongly while hosts India also opened with a win in Guwahati.
England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka complete the field - each playing seven matches in the group stage. With just four spots available for the semi-finals, every win and every net run rate boost will prove crucial as the tournament unfolds.
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Rules for semi-final qualification in Women's World Cup 2025
All eight teams are part of a single round-robin group. Each side plays the others once and the top four teams advance to the semi-finals. Key rules for progression:
- Two points are awarded for each win, one point for a tie or no-result.
- Teams level on points are separated by Net Run Rate (NRR).
- The top four sides after 28 group matches qualify for the semi-finals.
- Semi-final fixtures are based on group standings: 1st vs 4th and 2nd vs 3rd.
This means big-margin wins and maintaining a healthy NRR could decide the a few spots if teams are tied on points.
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Semi-final qualification scenarios for teams in Women's World Cup 2025
Only four matches have been played so far with every team featuring once. Early wins for India, Australia, England and Bangladesh have given them the perfect start while New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka are already playing catch-up.
ICC Women's World Cup 2025 - Points table
| Teams | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | NR | Pts | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +3.773 |
| Australia Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.780 |
| Bangladesh Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.623 |
| India Women | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | +1.255 |
| Sri Lanka Women | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.255 |
| Pakistan Women | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.623 |
| New Zealand Women | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -1.780 |
| South Africa Women | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | -3.773 |
India Women
India opened with a 59-run win against Sri Lanka in Guwahati - showing depth in both batting and bowling. With Harmanpreet Kaur leading from the front, they look well-placed to challenge for a top-four spot.
Upcoming fixtures: Pakistan, South Africa, Australia, England, New Zealand, Bangladesh
Chance of qualification: 80%
Australia Women
The defending champions showed their class with an 89-run win over New Zealand in Indore. A strong batting display and disciplined bowling underlined why they are favourites again.
Upcoming fixtures: Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, South Africa, England
Chance of qualification: 90%
Bangladesh Women
Bangladesh stunned Pakistan in Colombo with a clinical seven-wicket win - their second-ever win in Women's World Cup history. They have already thrown the group wide open.
Upcoming fixtures: England, New Zealand, South Africa, Australia, Sri Lanka, India
Chance of qualification: 70%
England Women
England crushed South Africa by 10 wickets in Guwahati - making a huge statement early on. Their net run rate boost could be decisive later in the group stage.
Upcoming fixtures: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, Australia, New Zealand
Chance of qualification: 80%
Sri Lanka Women
Sri Lanka fought hard against India in the opener but fell short by 59 runs. They will need to bounce back quickly to stay alive in the semi-final race.
Upcoming fixtures: Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan
Chance of qualification: 50%
Pakistan Women
Pakistan started poorly - losing to Bangladesh by seven wickets in Colombo. Their margin of defeat also hurt their NRR, making the path tougher from here.
Upcoming fixtures: India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka
Chance of qualification: 50%
New Zealand Women
New Zealand were outplayed by Australia in their first game - falling short by 89 runs. They will need better batting performances to stay in contention.
Upcoming fixtures: South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, India, England
Chance of qualification: 50%
South Africa Women
South Africa endured a nightmare start - bowled out for 69 against England and losing by 10 wickets. Their NRR has already taken a big hit, meaning recovery will be an uphill task.
Upcoming fixtures: New Zealand, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Australia
Chance of qualification: 40%
How will the semi-final fixtures be determined?
The semi-finals will feature the top four teams from the group stage. The side finishing first will face the fourth-placed team while second and third will meet in the other semi-final.
The first semi-final is scheduled in Guwahati but if Pakistan make it to the last four, it will be shifted to Colombo. The second semi-final will be held in Navi Mumbai and that is where India will play if they qualify.
If Pakistan reach their first Women's World Cup final, the match will take place in Colombo.
When are the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 semi-finals?
The first semi-final is set for 29 October, followed by the second on 30 October. The winners will meet in the final on 2 November with all three knockout games scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST.
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