Published Dec 27, 2024, 8:06 pm IST
In a commanding display of cricket, the Indian women's team defeated West Indies by five wickets in the third and final ODI on December 27, 2024, in Vadodara. With this victory, India sealed a 3-0 series sweep, consolidating their dominance on home soil.
Chasing a modest target of 163 runs, the Indian team showcased composure and skill, reaching the target in just 28.2 overs with five wickets to spare. The series win further solidifies India's position among the top teams in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 cycle, setting them on course for automatic qualification for the Women's World Cup 2025.
This defeat, however, leaves the West Indies women's team in a precarious position. Currently placed ninth in the ICC Women's Championship standings with 14 points, their path to automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup appears bleak. The top six teams in the standings secure direct entry to the tournament, while the bottom four must battle it out in a qualification tournament.
The West Indies have three matches remaining in the cycle, scheduled against England in May 2025. Even if they win all three and collect the maximum possible 20 points, their best-case scenario would see them rise to seventh place—still outside the top six required for automatic qualification.
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This scenario draws parallels with the predicament faced by the West Indies men's cricket team in recent years. The men's team failed to secure direct qualification for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India, forced to enter the qualification tournament. Despite their efforts, they did not advance to the main event, missing out on the global stage entirely.
For the West Indies women's team, the challenge now is clear. They must regroup, prepare for their remaining fixtures, and face the likelihood of competing in the qualifiers to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
🚨 West Indies fail to secure automatic qualification to the #CricketWorldCup 2025
— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) December 27, 2024
With a 0-3 defeat against India, Hayley Matthews' side now moves into the qualifiers. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/JJT3e63p4V
Meanwhile, the Indian team can take pride in their clinical performance in the series, which underscores their readiness for future challenges. With strong individual performances and cohesive team efforts, they continue to be a formidable force in women's cricket.
The 3-0 series sweep serves as a testament to India's depth and quality in all aspects of the game, providing a significant boost as they aim for a strong finish in the ICC Women's Championship and a successful campaign at the 2025 World Cup on home soil.
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