Harmanpreet Kaur’s side got the job done at Old Trafford. Just. That five-wicket victory over Bangladesh wasn't exactly a masterclass, but it steadied a ship that was veering off course after a heavy thumping by South Africa. Every single run counted during that tense chase in Manchester. Drop early games in a tournament like this, and the math will always come back to haunt you. Now, with six points from their four outings, India sit in a fascinating spot. One game left. No room for error.

The Australia test at Lord's

Win on June 28, and the calculus vanishes. Beat the undefeated reigning champions at Lord's and India fly straight into the semi-finals with eight points. It is that simple. No one wants to rely on outside results, and India's massive net run rate of +2.268 means outplaying the Aussies seals the deal. It is a monumental task, of course. Australia do not give away presents.

Lose in London, though, and everything gets incredibly messy. India would stay stuck on six points, handing total control over to South Africa. The Proteas still have to face Bangladesh and the Netherlands, and they look ruthless. Their recent 88-run demolition of the Dutch proved they do not switch off against lower-ranked sides. Praying for a massive South African collapse is a terrible strategy.

Kaur knows the score. Control belongs to the players on the grass, not the pundits using calculators. Anything less than total focus against a brutal Australian bowling attack spells immediate elimination. Lord's is the final stand.