ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Qualified Teams: New Zealand Seal Last Direct Entry, Joining Five Other Teams

New Zealand earned a direct entry to the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 after Bangladesh lost their final match of the ICC Women's Championship series against the West Indies in Bassetere on Friday (January 24).

Bangladesh had levelled the series against West Indies to keep their hopes alive of edging New Zealand to the final direct spot at the 50-over World Cup, but the visiting Asian side fell to an 8-wicket loss in the third ODI to miss out.

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh managed to post just 118 in their allotted 20 overs with Sharmin Akhter (37 off 64 balls) finishing as the top scorer. For the home side, spinner Karishma Ramharack led the charge, finishing with figures of 4 for 12.

In response, West Indies chased down the target with 22.3 overs to spare after contributions from Hayley Matthews, Qiana Joseph, Deandra Dottin and Shemaine Campbell. Despite the win, the West Indies women's cricket team still finished outside the top six.

The White Ferns, the recent T20 world champions, were assured a direct berth to the 8-team showpiece tournament as they finished ahead of Bangladesh on the World Championship standings on the basis of registering more wins after both teams finished on 21 points.

In the ICC Women's World Championship, all 10 teams played eight three-match series - four at home and four away with the top six earning a direct entry into the World Cup, while the bottom four will face off in qualifiers with two more teams to book the remaining two spots.

Apart from New Zealand, Australia, who won the championship with 39 points, and hosts India who finished a close second with 37 as well England (32), South Africa (25) and Sri Lanka (22) are the other teams to have ensured direct berths to the World Cup.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh (21), West Indies (18), Pakistan (17) and Ireland (8) will be joined in the Cricket World Cup Qualifier by Scotland and Thailand, the two other highest ranked teams as of 31 October 2024.

The details of the Qualifier will be announced in due course with two spots up for grabs for the main event later this year, as per ICC. The dates for the tournament proper also will be announced soon.