WWC 2017: How India Women can qualify to semi-finals

India Women started off their World Cup, 2017 campaign with a win over the hot favourites, the home side England and followed it with wins over Windies, Pakistan and Sri Lanka in consecutive games to make it 4 in a row. Just when they needed one more win in the remaining 3 games to confirm their semi-final spot, India lost to South Africa by a huge 115-run margin which hit their NRR badly and now they will be facing the big sides Australia and New Zealand for two more points which will ensure them a top 4 finish.

Team India, with 8 points are currently placed at the 3rd spot on the points table; they will next take on Australia who stand 2nd also with 8 points and New Zealand in their final league game, who are currently at No.4 with 7 points.

The permutations and combinations

If India wins against Australia, they will qualify for the semi-finals given they have 10 points in their tally and once they win Australia and South Africa will fight off for the 4th spot. If the Indian Women lose to Australia but edge over New Zealand, they will knock NZ out of the tournament and make it through; if Australia, England and South Africa manage to win their respective games.

In the case of India losing both their remaining games, they will be relying on the results of South Africa Women’s games. The Proteas will next play against Sri Lanka and Australia. It will be a bit too much for the Indian Women to expect South Africa to go down against Sri Lanka, who have lost all the 5 games they have played in the tournament so far.

In the scenario that Indian Women win both their remaining games, they will have a chance of finishing in the top two which will also help them move ahead in case of a washout in the semi-final. As England have a far better NRR in comparison to India, they will remain on the top of the table if they win their remaining two games.