Must-Win Situation: 3 Things India Women Must Do in Last 2 Matches to Reach World Cup Semi-Finals

A total of 21 matches have been completed in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025. Yesterday, Sri Lanka defeated Bangladesh in a thrilling match and kept its hopes alive. On the other hand, Bangladesh women's team is out of the race for the semi-finals. The Sri Lankan team registered a win and put Team India in trouble. Harmanpreet Kaur's Indian team has lost the last 3 matches after coming very close. However, India's semi-final ticket is still not sealed. Australia, England and South Africa have made it to the semi-finals. In such a situation, there is a competition between India, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan.

The next two matches in the group stage are crucial for India

The Indian team has played a total of 5 matches so far, winning 2 and losing 3. Its net run rate sits at +0.526. New Zealand is the biggest problem for the Indian team, but their net run rate is -0.245. The next match between the two teams is scheduled for October 23rd. If India wants to reach the semi-finals, they will have to defeat New Zealand in the next match. Apart from this, India will face Bangladesh on October 26th, which will be a do-or-die match.

How can the Indian team make it to the semi-finals?

• Winning both upcoming matches is essential: The Indian women's team must win both upcoming matches to secure a place in the semifinals. They must defeat New Zealand on October 23rd, followed by a crushing defeat against Bangladesh on October 26th.
• After losing to New Zealand: If India loses against New Zealand, they will have to beat Bangladesh in their next match. Bangladesh are already knocked out of the semi-finals race so the Women in Blue will not face a tough challenge against them.
• Win against New Zealand and lose against Bangladesh: If Team India wins the next match against New Zealand and loses against Bangladesh, things could turn sour. Then India will have to rely on luck and hope that the England women's team defeats New Zealand. Ultimately, the team with the better net run rate will qualify.