Team India, after winning their opening two games of the ongoing Women’s World Cup, have suffered three consecutive defeats and are currently in a tense situation as they aim to secure a semifinal berth.
With three teams—Australia, South Africa, and England—already securing a place in the top four, India and New Zealand remain the leading contenders for the final spot, setting up a do-or-die clash between them.
A victory against the White Ferns on Thursday will guarantee India a place in the semifinal. However, a loss would put them in a difficult position, as the Women in Blue would then need to rely on other results.
If India lose to the Sophie Devine-led side, they must defeat Bangladesh in their final group-stage match on Sunday and hope New Zealand loses their last group-stage encounter against England. In this scenario, both India and New Zealand would finish with six points each, and qualification would then depend on the Net Run Rate (NRR). Currently, India and New Zealand are tied on four points, but India hold the edge due to a higher NRR.
Even if the India vs New Zealand match is washed out, the hosts could still progress to the semifinals, though specific conditions apply. They would benefit only if England beats New Zealand, and Sri Lanka and Pakistan do not reach six points.
India’s upcoming matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh are scheduled at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. If both games are washed out, India will advance to the semifinals with six points from the two abandoned matches. In this case, if Sri Lanka or Pakistan also finish at six points, India would still progress due to their superior NRR.
The crucial India vs New Zealand encounter will take place on Thursday at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
— IANS