Women’s World Cup 2025: Who Takes the Last Semi-Final Spot? Australia, England, and South Africa have already qualified for the semi-finals. The last spot in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is a three-way tussle between India, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, with Pakistan and Bangladesh already out of the race.
India, New Zealand or Sri Lanka
India is in fourth place on the points table with 4 points and a positive net run rate (NRR) of +0.526, ahead of New Zealand on the same 4 points but with a lower NRR of -0.245. Sri Lanka remains mathematically in the equation but will require sheer luck in terms of results needed for a chance at qualification, with large margins in their favour.
For India, the equation is simple: defeat New Zealand in the last group match and qualify for the semi-finals. With a victory, India would be on six points and confirmed qualification; if the match is washed out, India’s superior NRR should see them through. However, if they lose, especially by a large margin, this would open the door for New Zealand to invalidate their NRR.
For the White Ferns, the solution is similarly simple but steeper – they must beat India comfortably to bridge the NRR gulf. A narrow win might not be enough for the spot. On the other hand, Sri Lanka must also need both India and New Zealand to lose while needing to win by a large margin to stay alive.
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As such, the India vs New Zealand match becomes the de facto quarter-final, with both sides needing to win. This match has quarter-final, national pride and momentum implications, so every run and wicket matters. India is favoured, but in a World Cup of varying results, the race for four is nowhere near over.
