How Can India Still Qualify for the Women’s World Cup Playoffs?

The Women's World Cup gets more intense as the playoffs get closer. Despite being the hosts, the Indian team currently holds 4th spot in the standings. After two consecutive losses, how could the team still make it to the playoffs?

The Women's World Cup 2025 has been intense till now. Australia and England have been able to dominate the tournament like they always have. But this time, fans do have a lot of hope from the Indian team. Being the hosts, the team is expected to reach the playoffs.

After the match between South Africa and Bangladesh, India has dropped to number four in the standings. As the playoffs come closer, fans wonder if the team will be able to make it to the same level or not. Here, we will be taking a look at the qualification scenario of the Indian team.

1. Current Situation

India had a strong beginning to the Women's World Cup 2025. The team held top spot in the standings with two consecutive wins. Still, their next two games against South Africa and Australia didn't go well. As a result, India is now placed at number four in the standings with 2 wins in 4 matches.

Net Run Rate also remains crucial for the team to reach the playoffs. Currently, India has its Net run rate at +0.682. This is more than South Africa, which is placed at number three, and New Zealand, which is placed at number five. India will have to take advantage of its strong run rate to reach the playoffs.

Having played four games, the team is now left with three matches. But these are not some easy wins lined up for the team. India will be going against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh in its last three games of the distance stages. It's obvious that the match against New Zealand will be critical for the playoff scenario.

2. Qualification Scenarios for India

The qualification scenario of India will depend on the team itself, with some other factors. If India goes on to obtain wins in all three of its games against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, it would easily receive 10 points.. In addition, this will help the team to enter the playoffs without being dependent on any other team's performance.

If the Indian team is able to win two out of the remaining three games, they would still be in contention for the playoffs. But in this case, their qualification will be dependent on the performance of other teams. With two more wins, India will end the league stages with 8 points. And their qualification will depend on the performances of teams like South Africa and New Zealand, too.

Even if the points are being tied, India currently has an advantage with its Net run rate being positive. This too makes it needed for the Indian team to finish the league stages with a positive net run rate, which will play a crucial role in its qualification. Therefore, India will be able to reach the playoffs only if it manages to win two of its remaining three games.