ICC Women’s World Cup semis set: India join Australia, England, South Africa

India booked their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with a commanding win over New Zealand at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. 

The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side followed Australia, England, and South Africa into the final four. The hosts delivered a strong performance with the bat, anchored by centuries from openers Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana. Rawal scored 122 and Mandhana 109, guiding India to a total of 340/3 in 49 overs, their highest of the tournament. 

Despite a rain-adjusted target for New Zealand, India’s bowlers kept the White Ferns under control, restricting them to 271/8 in 44 overs and sealing a 53-run DLS victory.

India’s win moved them to six points from three victories, meaning they are guaranteed a semi-final spot regardless of the outcome in their final group match against Bangladesh. New Zealand and Bangladesh could also reach six points with wins in their remaining fixtures, but India’s tally of victories ensures they progress.

For South Africa, already qualified for the semi-finals with 10 points and a game in hand, India’s form provides a useful benchmark. The Proteas have demonstrated throughout the tournament that they can compete with any team, having held their own against both Australia and India earlier in the competition. 

Though they will remember their early humiliation against England, their consistency and ability to rise to high-pressure moments since that opening defeat underline the squad’s readiness for the knockout stages.

The first semi-final is scheduled for October 29 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, while the second will take place at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai the following day. 

India’s clinical win over New Zealand, alongside South Africa’s impressive group-stage form, sets the stage for two highly competitive final-four clashes.

As the tournament approaches its climax, both teams are shaping up as serious contenders, though the unbeaten Australians still loom large as favourites. 

South Africa has proven they can match the pace and intensity of the world’s best, while India’s resurgence after three consecutive losses earlier in the tournament shows their ability to respond under pressure. 

Fans can expect spirited contests when the semi-finals eventually get under way.