How can India Women qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after loss to South Africa?

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led India failed to win their consecutive game in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 South Africa beat them by three wickets at the Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.

Smriti Mandhana (23) and Pratika Rawal (37) took India off to a decent start yet again in the tournament. They batted brilliantly in the power play and added 55 runs for the opening partnership but both the batters failed to convert the starts they had and lost their wickets just after the power play. 

This triggered the Indian collapse as South African bowlers were all over the opposition. India were down and dusted as they were left reeling at 153 for seven and it was then that Richa Ghosh (94) took charge. She slammed bowlers all over the park and was supported brilliantly by Sneh Rana (33) with the duo adding 88 runs for the eighth wicket. 

Thanks to their effort India managed 251, which at one moment seemed impossible. For South Africa, Chloe Tryon bagged three wickets. 

India then had a brilliant start with the ball as they troubled the South Africa batters right from the start with their lines and lengths. Tanzim Brits and Sune Luus bagged low scores before Marizanne Kapp (20), who looked good perished as well. 

Anneke Bosch and Sinalo Jafta then followed her soon as South Africa lost five wickets for just 85. With the team under immense pressure, skipper Laura Wolvaardt (70) brought her team back in the game with a sensational half-century. She along with Chloe Tryon (49) added 61-run for the sixth wicket to put India under pressure. 

However, Kranti Gaud provided India with a much-needed breakthrough, removing Wolvaardt. But Tryon and Nadine de Klerk (84*) didn’t let India take the momentum with both adding 69 runs together for the seventh wicket. Even though Tryon got out, Klerk took the game away from India and played a blinder to take her team home with three wickets in hand. 

How can India Women qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after loss to South Africa?

Following the loss, there has been a wide speculation as to how India Women qualify for the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 after losing to South Africa. In this article, we will take a look at how the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side can qualify. 

The equation for the Indian women is simple as they need to win at least three of their next four games will seal their place. However, if they lose another match, then things will become tough for them as they will be dependent on others.  

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