Team India’s strong start in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 hit a tough roadblock after back-to-back losses. After winning two consecutive matches, India faced two straight defeats — the latest coming against Australia — dropping the team to fourth place in the points table. With just a few games left, India now must beat England at all costs to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Australia handed India a 3-wicket defeat in the 13th match of the World Cup, but the loss wasn’t the only setback. The ICC also fined Team India 5% of their match fee for maintaining a slow over rate during the game, marking the second time within a month that India has been penalized for the same issue.

Another Repeat of September 20

This recent disciplinary action mirrors the incident from September 20, when India faced Australia in the final match of a three-match ODI series. India lost that match by 43 runs, conceding the series and receiving the same slow over-rate penalty from the ICC. The recurrence of both the defeat and the fine has caused disappointment among Indian fans, who were hoping for a stronger performance this time around.

With crucial points at stake and momentum slipping, India’s clash against England has now become a virtual knockout. The team will need to fix its tactical issues — especially in bowling rhythm and over-rate management — to stay in contention for a World Cup semifinal berth.