Favourites to progress to the semifinals from the group stage
The pre-tournament favorites for the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 were Six-time champion Australia and four-time winner England. In addition, one-time winner New Zealand, and the two-time runner-up, India, have a chance to win the trophy. Here are the current scenarios for each team in the Women's World Cup.
Australia
Australia lead the points table with 8 points from four matches. Along with South Africa, they are an undefeated team in the competition. Australia still have three more games against India (March 19), South Africa (March 22), and Bangladesh (March 27). They will almost certainly qualify for the semi-finals if they win at least one of their remaining matches.
Australia's three key players
Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Rachael Haynes.
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South Africa
South Africa are another team that have stayed unbeaten in the competition with three consecutive victories over Bangladesh, Pakistan, and England. The remaining group stage matches for South Africa are against New Zealand (March 17), Australia (March 22), the West Indies (March 24), and India (March 27). The Proteas women's team is two victories away from qualifying for the semifinals.
South Africa's three key players
Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Laura Wolvaardt.
India
India are in third place with four points after three matches. India will face England on March 16, and they will face Australia on March 19. Both games have the potential to be exciting. Bangladesh will be India's next opponent on March 22, followed by South Africa on March 27. India must win three games to advance to the semifinals.
India's three key players
Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana.
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New Zealand
The hosts, New Zealand, are under a lot of pressure after losing two of their first four matches. They must win all of their remaining games to qualify for the semifinals. However, they may still finish in the top four if they win two games. New Zealand will face South Africa on March 17, England on March 20, and Pakistan on March 26 in their upcoming matches.
New Zealand's three key players
Lea-Marie Maureen, Sophie Frances Monique Devine, Amy Ella Satterthwaite.
West Indies
The West Indies are sixth in the points standings with four points. They have a real opportunity to go to the semifinals because their next two games are against Bangladesh (March 18) and Pakistan (March 21). If the Caribbean team wins these two games, it will put pressure on the other big teams in the tournament. The Windies will meet South Africa in their last match on March 24.
West Indies three key players
Hayley Matthews, Anisa Mohammed, Hayley Matthews.
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Bangladesh
Bangladesh are presently in sixth place with two points after three matches. They are still in contention for a place in the semifinals. On the other hand, Bangladesh must win three or four of their remaining matches to move to the next round of the game. Bangladesh's remaining matches are against the West Indies on March 18, India on March 22, Australia on March 25, and England on March 27.
Bangladesh's three key players
Fargana Hoque, Nigar Sultana, Rumana Ahmed
England
England's place in the points table is very shaky, despite the fact that they are one of the tournament favourites. They are in seventh place with three losses in three games. England must win their remaining matches and may have to rely on the outcomes of other fixtures.
England's three key players
Tamsin Tilley Beaumont, Natalie Ruth Sciver, Sophie Ecclestone.
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Pakistan
Pakistan are still mathematically in contention for a top-four finish. They have no realistic chance of reaching the semifinals. Because the Pakistan team has already lost four games and only has three more to play.
Pakistan's three key players
Sidra Ameen, Bismah Maroof, Nashra Sandhu
Verdict
After looking at each team's current situation in the points table, it's clear that Australia and South Africa are in a better position than the other teams in the competition. Their spot in the semifinals is almost confirmed. India, New Zealand, and the West Indies are the most likely candidates for the other two berths. England's chances are slim, and they might end up being a spoiler. Bangladesh and Pakistan are most likely to finish as the bottom two teams in the ICC Women's World Cup 2022 group stage points standings.
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