India’s Women’s cricket team could lose a chance to qualify directly for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2021 if they forfeit a bilateral series against rivals Pakistan. As per ICC Women's World Championship, top eight teams are required to face each other over a specific period (2017-2020) of time. Apart from World Cup hosts New Zealand, four other top teams, who will finish on top of the points table, will earn direct qualification for the Women’s World Cup 2021. ICC T20I Women's Rankings: Jemimah Rodrigues, Smriti Mandhana Make Considerable Gains Despite 3-0 Loss Against New Zealand.

Currently, India are placed third and following a 2-1 series win over West Indies, Pakistan have moved to the fourth position. Both the teams are tied at 12 points. However, a better run-rate sees India occupy third place. If India says no to series against Pakistan, it will deprive the team of some valuable points. In case the series doesn’t take place, Pakistan will be awarded six points.

Australia and New Zealand as of now occupies the first and second place on the team standings. West Indies, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka are placed fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth. Meanwhile, India will face England in a three-match ODI series, starting February 22 and will be looking to move up on the team standings. Smriti Mandhana Hits Fastest Half-century For India! Indian Opener Scores 24 Ball 50 During Ind vs NZ 2019, Women’s 1st T20I.

India recently won the three-match ODI series against New Zealand 2-1 and that helped them stay on the third spot.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2019 08:03 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).