Harmanpreet Kaur India Gain Breathing Space as New Zealand-Sri Lanka Match is Abandoned in Womens World Cup

The Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 witnessed yet another dramatic twist on Monday as the decisive group-stage match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka was abandoned due to relentless rain. The washout proved to be a blessing in disguise for Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s side, who now have an easier route to the semi-final’s with a grueling sequence of matches behind them in the past few weeks.

Rain Plays Spoilsport in Wellington

The much-awaited game in Wellington promised to be a close tussle between two teams who were also in the running to make it to the semi-final’s. Sophie Devine-led New Zealand were coming from a close victory over South Africa, and Sri Lanka had demonstrated resilience so far. But then the rain started coming down heavily just as the time for the toss approached and never let up. After multiple inspections and several hours of delay, the umpires had no choice but to call off the game without a ball being bowled.

The abandonment ensured that both teams took away one point apiece—a situation which had a significant bearing on the standings. Though it was a disappointing result for players and fans, it proved to be a timely salvation for India, who are now well placed to qualify for the knockout stage.

India’s Position Strengthened

India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, were in a do-or-die situation after experiencing a close loss against Australia in their last match. The defeat had mounted pressure on the Women in Blue, who are competing for a top-four berth in a closely fought group.

With the New Zealand–Sri Lanka match being washed out, India are still ahead of both teams on the points table. New Zealand, eager for a victory to narrow the gap, now have a tough fight on their hands in their remaining matches. Sri Lanka are also in a vulnerable position, requiring huge wins and some help from elsewhere to remain in the hunt.

For India, this washout essentially gives them a cushion—a much-needed breathing space as they look ahead to their next must-win encounters against England and South Africa.

Harmanpreet’s Leadership Under Spotlight

Harmanpreet Kaur has led the Indian side with determination and composure throughout the tournament. Despite injuries to key players and some inconsistent performances, she has managed to keep the team motivated and focused. Her captaincy, particularly in close

encounters, has drawn praise from cricket experts who admire her calm yet aggressive approach.

Following the news of the abandonment of the match, Harmanpreet instructed her teammates to take the development as “a reminder that opportunities in tournaments like these are often unpredictable,” according to reports. Her side’s Indian skipper reiterated that her team needs to now build on the momentum and not be reliant on the outcome of other teams from now on.

India’s Batting and Bowling Concerns

Though India’s campaign has had moments of glamour—like Smriti Mandhana’s dazzling half-centuries and Deepti Sharma’s tight bowling—there are still some areas that need to be addressed. The middle order has at times found it difficult to form partnerships, and the pace attack has been inconsistent in the death overs.

Yet, the schedule disruption through the washout can be a welcome surprise. It provides the Indian team administration with some time to reflect, evaluate tactical changes, and grant some physical and psychological recovery to players before the critical next matches.

Rain Changes the Semi-finals Calculation

The dropped match has reconfigured the semi-finals contest. Australia and England still control the table, and India, South Africa, and New Zealand are fighting on a tightrope for the last positions. There is little room for error with not many matches remaining.

Cricket experts are of the opinion that the washout satisfactorily eliminates one potential strong contender—New Zealand—from realistically challenging India’s semi-finals hopes. The White Ferns now require a string of good results and a sizable win margin in their next encounter to even stand a remote chance to progress.

Fans React with Mixed Emotions

Both New Zealand and Sri Lankan fans were left disappointed with the washout, particularly those who came out in the rain to watch the match. Indian fans on social media took a positive view of the result, terming it “a blessing from the weather gods” as it improves India’s chances of qualification.

At the same time, cricket insiders have re-opened the debate on adding more reserve days in women’s championships, claiming that inclement weather has oftentimes been the deciding factor in big ICC tournaments.

India’s next test will be against a self-assured England team, who have played sublimely both with the bat and ball. A victory in that match would practically clinch India’s semi-finals berth and give them a confidence boost in the final stages of the tournament.

For Harmanpreet Kaur and her side, the message is simple—stay grounded, stay focused, and capitalize on this lucky break. Destiny now lies in the hands of the Women in Blue, and if they can turn their potential into performance, India’s dream of winning the World Cup is far from dead.