Defending champions Australia and four-time title holders England remain the only unbeaten sides, while host nation India and a resurgent South Africa are jostling closely behind in the race for semi-final berths. Here’s a look at how the points table is shaping up:
File Photo: IANS
As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 nears its halfway stage, the tournament standings are beginning to take clear shape. Defending champions Australia and four-time title holders England remain the only unbeaten sides, while host nation India and a resurgent South Africa are jostling closely behind in the race for semi-final berths. Here’s a look at how the points table is shaping up:
Australia on top, unbeaten and unstoppable
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Alyssa Healy-led Australia continue to assert their dominance at the top of the table with seven points and a net run rate of +1.353. The reigning champions have beaten New Zealand, Pakistan, and most recently India, while their clash against Sri Lanka was washed out. Their latest triumph, a record-breaking run chase of 331 against India, was a testament to their depth and quality. That chase now stands as the highest successful pursuit in Women’s ODI history, underlining the Aussies’ strength across departments. With multiple match-winners and an enviable bench, Australia look well-positioned for another deep run toward the title.
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England cruise to contention
Breathing down Australia’s neck are England, who sit second with six points and a commanding +1.864 NRR. The 2017 champions have been flawless so far, registering emphatic wins over South Africa, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has led from the front, smashing a run-a-ball 117 in her latest outing and continuing her fine form. With their semi-final qualification almost assured, England appear well on course for another shot at the trophy, their fifth Women’s World Cup title overall.
India show fight despite setbacks
Hosts India sit third on the table with four points and a +0.682 NRR, emerging as one of only three teams with a positive rate. While they’ve stumbled in back-to-back games, including Sunday’s hard-fought loss to Australia, their performances have shown promise. The likes of Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol and Richa Ghosh have powered India’s batting, while Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Kranti Gaud continue to deliver breakthroughs with the ball. With a deep pool of match-winners and home support behind them, India remain strong contenders for a maiden 50-over World Cup title.
South Africa back on track
After a tough start, South Africa have bounced back impressively to occupy fourth place with four points and a -0.888 NRR. Following a heavy opening defeat to England, the Proteas regrouped with crucial wins against New Zealand and India, reigniting their campaign. Tazmin Brits starred with a century against New Zealand, while skipper Laura Wolvaardt’s gritty 70 against India reinforced their batting strength. Their resurgence has made them a dangerous opponent for every side left in the group stage.
New Zealand stay alive after first win
With two points and a -0.245 NRR, New Zealand are finally off the mark after a comfortable win over Bangladesh. Losses to Australia and South Africa had pushed them to the brink, but the White Ferns have found momentum just in time. Fast bowlers Jess Kerr and Lea Tahuhu are leading the charge with three-wicket hauls apiece, while captain Sophie Devine remains the batting mainstay, averaging a remarkable 86.66 in the tournament so far. The Kiwis now face must-win territory in their upcoming fixtures.
Bangladesh lose steam after bright start
Bangladesh sit sixth with two points and a -0.357 NRR. After opening their campaign with a morale-boosting win over Pakistan, they’ve faltered in their next two matches. The young quick Marufa Akter, just 20, has been a revelation with five wickets already, supported well by the team’s spinners. However, inconsistent batting remains a major concern. They will be hoping to get back the momentum back in their next few matches, and keep their campaign alive.
Sri Lanka’s struggles continue
In seventh place with one point and a -1.526 NRR, Sri Lanka have found runs hard to come by. Their only point came from a washout, with defeats to India and England denting their semi-final hopes. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu’s 43 remains their highest individual score so far, while Inoka Ranaweera has impressed with seven wickets. However, a loss against New Zealand on Tuesday could all but end their World Cup campaign.
Pakistan still winless
Pakistan are still searching for their first win after three matches and a -1.887 NRR. They’ve fallen to Bangladesh, India and Australia, but have shown flashes of competitiveness. Sidra Amin’s 81 against India was a highlight, and they’ll look to upset unbeaten England next in Colombo for a shot to redemption.
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