Women’s World Cup 2022 qualification scenarios: Here’s how India can still reach the semi-finals

The Indian team, led by Mithali Raj, put up a great show on Tuesday (March 22) when they defeated Bangladesh by a big margin of 110 runs. With this win, India keep their semi-finals hopes alive as they now march towards facing South Africa in their final game of the group stage. The previous season’s finalists are in the game to lift the trophy this time, but their scenario looks a bit topsy-turvy.

India suffered three defeats in the six games that they played so far, but their three wins have been big in terms of the NRR. Before South Africa’s abandoned clash against West Indies, India were tied with West Indies at six points but had the upper hand on the points table due to a higher NRR. They haven’t been at their best, but they have had some really good runs in the tournament so far.

But after the two games between South Africa and West Indies and England and Pakistan on Thursday, India has slipped down to fifth place from the third as West Indies gained one point as a result of their match getting abandoned, and England improved their NRR by defeating Pakistan.

Meanwhile, let’s look at how India can still qualify for the Women’s World Cup 2022 semi-final:

Condition 1: India wins against South Africa

Well, the Women in Blue will have to put up their best performance against South Africa when they face them on Sunday in their final fixture in the group stage, and win the game by a good margin.

If India wins the game against the Proteas, they’ll gain two more points to take their tally up to eight, overtaking West Indies who stands at third place with seven points.

Condition 2: If India vs South Africa is abandoned

Even if the match gets abandoned due to weather conditions, India can make way into the semi-finals as even though they’ll tie with West Indies at seven points, they’ll have an upper hand in terms of the NRR, and thus, Mithali Raj’s team will seal the berth.

Thus, a no-result would also go in favour of India, but that will happen only if the rain gods play their part of the game.

Condition 3:  England to lose against Bangladesh if India lose to South Africa

If the above two conditions don’t work out in India’s favour, then Mithali’s women will put all their hopes on Bangladesh, expecting them to win against England. If Bangladesh beat England by a good margin, the latter’s NRR will come falling down and India will thus rise up.

Even if India wins against South Africa, they’ll still hope for Bangladesh to defeat England by a certain margin so that they secure a place in the semi-finals and do away with all their worries. Notably, India will play their last match of the league stage on Sunday, March 27, at Hagley Oval in Christchurch.