India's campaign at the Women's World Cup 2025 hangs in the balance after a narrow four-run defeat to England on Sunday. This loss, which marked their third consecutive defeat after earlier setbacks against Australia and South Africa, has significantly complicated their chances of reaching the semi-finals.

After being asked to field first, India restricted England to 288 for eight. Heather Knight's century and Amy Jones' half-century were vital for England, while Deepti Sharma took four wickets for India. In response, India lost early wickets, but Harmanpreet Kaur and Smriti Mandhana steadied the innings with a century partnership. However, after Mandhana's dismissal for 88, India's momentum faltered, and they fell short despite half-centuries from Deepti Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur. Kaur acknowledged that Mandhana's wicket was a turning point.

With Australia, England and South Africa having already secured their places, only one spot remains. India's hope hinges on their performance in the remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Here are the scenarios for India to qualify for the semi-finals:

• Winning both games: Victory in both remaining matches against New Zealand and Bangladesh would secure a semi-final spot, bringing them to eight points.
• Winning against New Zealand and losing against Bangladesh: This scenario could still be enough for India to go through to the semi-final.
• Losing against New Zealand and winning against Bangladesh: In this case, India would need New Zealand to lose against England in their final game and also needs to secure a decent Net Run Rate.
• Losing both games: Losing both remaining matches would result in elimination.
• If the India vs. New Zealand match is washed out: A rain may not be the worst thing for India as it would keep their NRR significantly higher than New Zealand. In this scenario, India will have to better or equal New Zealand's final group match result.

The loss against England was particularly agonizing, as India was in a strong position at 167-2 in the 31st over, chasing 289. However, the dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur shifted the momentum. Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma formed another crucial partnership, but Mandhana's dismissal for 88 put India in a precarious situation. Despite Deepti Sharma's fifty, wickets continued to fall, and England secured the win. Kaur described the defeat as "heartbreaking". She also noted the team's determination to bounce back in their next match against New Zealand on October 23.

The upcoming match against New Zealand is crucial. Both teams have four points, making the game a virtual quarter-final. The winner will have a significant advantage in the race for the semi-finals.

Harmanpreet Kaur achieved a milestone during the England match, becoming the second Indian player to score 1000 runs in Women's World Cups. She joined Mithali Raj, who has 1321 runs, on the list. Kaur is playing in her fifth World Cup and has 1017 runs at an average of 46.22.

Despite the recent setbacks, India's chances of qualifying for the semi-finals remain alive. However, they need to win their remaining matches and improve their net run rate. The team's performance in the crucial upcoming games will determine whether they can keep their World Cup dream alive.