Team India, after a strong start with two consecutive wins in the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup, now find themselves in a must-win situation following three back-to-back defeats. With Australia, South Africa, and England already sealing their semifinal spots, India and New Zealand are the prime contenders for the final berth — setting up a virtual knockout clash between them.
A win against New Zealand on Thursday will secure India’s place in the semifinals. However, a loss would complicate their chances, leaving them dependent on other results.
If India lose to Sophie Devine’s side, they must beat Bangladesh in their final group game on Sunday and hope New Zealand lose to England. In that case, both teams would finish on six points each, and the semifinal spot would be decided on Net Run Rate (NRR), where India currently hold a slight advantage.
A washout against New Zealand could still keep India’s hopes alive, but only under specific conditions — England must defeat New Zealand, and neither Sri Lanka nor Pakistan should reach six points.
Both of India’s remaining matches, against New Zealand and Bangladesh, will be played at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Interestingly, if both fixtures are washed out, India would automatically qualify for the semifinals with six points from the abandoned games, courtesy of their superior NRR, even if Sri Lanka or Pakistan also end on six points.
The high-stakes India vs New Zealand clash is scheduled for Thursday at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
