India’s journey in the Women’s World Cup is hanging by a thread following another heartbreaking defeat. In a high-stakes clash against England, the team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, fell short by just four runs while chasing a target of 289. This marks their third consecutive loss in the tournament, placing their semifinal aspirations in a precarious position.
England’s victory in Indore secured their spot in the semifinals, joining formidable teams like South Africa and Australia. This leaves only one coveted berth remaining in the knockout stage. Currently, India sits fourth in the points table with four points from five matches, boasting a net run-rate of +0.526. Their primary rival for that final spot, New Zealand, also has four points but trails with a lower net run-rate of -0.245.
For India, who entered the tournament as co-hosts and pre-tournament favorites, the road ahead is clear yet challenging. Their semifinal dreams now hinge entirely on the outcomes of their two remaining group stage encounters.
India is set to face New Zealand on Thursday, followed by their final group match against Bangladesh on October 26.
Here are the critical scenarios for India to reach the semifinals:
- SCENARIO 1 – WIN BOTH MATCHES:
India secures victories against both New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Result: India automatically qualifies for the semifinals, irrespective of other match results. - SCENARIO 2 – LOSE TO NEW ZEALAND:
If India loses to New Zealand:
The team must then hope that New Zealand suffers a defeat in their final match against England. Following this, India absolutely needs to beat Bangladesh to advance. - SCENARIO 3 – WIN vs NEW ZEALAND, LOSE vs BANGLADESH:
Should India defeat New Zealand but then lose to Bangladesh:
And if New Zealand also manages to beat England in their last group fixture, the team with the superior net run-rate (either India or New Zealand) will secure the semifinal spot.
Recalling the dramatic match against England, India appeared to be in a strong position for much of their chase. Skipper Smriti Mandhana delivered a commanding performance with 88 runs, while Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a crucial 70, and Deepti Sharma added 50. With 56 runs needed off 54 balls and seven wickets still in hand, victory seemed within reach. However, England mounted a brilliant comeback to snatch the win.
England’s innings was anchored by Heather Knight, who scored an impressive 109 off 91 balls in her 300th international appearance, supported by Amy Jones’s 56, setting a formidable total of 288/8. India’s bowlers managed to trigger a late collapse, but Linsey Smith and Sophie Ecclestone ultimately sealed England’s triumph in the closing overs.
“It’s a bad feeling when you have put so much hard work in but the last 5-6 overs didn’t go according to the plan,” Harmanpreet Kaur reflected after the match. “Smriti’s wicket was the turning point for us. It’s a heartbreaking moment. Credit to England. They didn’t lose hope; they kept bowling and getting wickets.”