The countdown has begun for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the biggest event in women’s cricket this year. Starting on 30 September and running until 2 November 2025, the tournament promises exciting matches, fierce rivalries, and a celebration of women’s cricket.
This edition is even more special because India is the host nation, with Sri Lanka co-hosting a few matches. For the Indian women’s team, it is not just about competing, it is about aiming for history.
Tournament Overview
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will be played in the 50-over format. Eight teams, India, Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, will take part. Each team will face every other side once in the group stage. The top four teams will then qualify for the semi-finals, leading to the grand final on 2 November.
The semi-finals are scheduled for 29 and 30 October, and the final will be played on 2 November 2025. Most matches will start at 3:00 PM local time.
Venues
- ACA Stadium, Guwahati
- Holkar Stadium, Indore
- ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo (Sri Lanka)
India women’s squad for 2025 ODI World Cup
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia (ruled out), Uma Chetry (replacement), Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.
- Standby players: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Uma Chetry (now promoted), Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
Key Changes
- Renuka Singh Thakur returns to lead the pace attack after recovering from injury.
- Shafali Verma, one of India’s brightest young talents, was left out due to inconsistent form.
- Yastika Bhatia was originally part of the squad but had to withdraw due to injury, replaced by Uma Chetry.
Players to Watch
- Harmanpreet Kaur: The captain is known for her ability to play match-winning innings under pressure.
- Smriti Mandhana: Stylish opener who often provides strong starts. She is also one of India’s most consistent run-scorers in recent years.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: Reliable in the middle order and capable of steadying the innings.
- Renuka Singh Thakur: India’s leading pacer, expected to deliver breakthroughs with the new ball.
- Sneh Rana and Radha Yadav: Spinners who will enjoy home conditions that favour turn.
India’s Fixtures
| Date | Match | Venue |
| 30 Sept 2025 | India vs Sri Lanka | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
| 5 Oct 2025 | India vs Pakistan | Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| 9 Oct 2025 | India vs South Africa | Dr.Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| 12 Oct 2025 | India vs Australia | Dr.Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| 19 Oct 2025 | India vs England | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore |
| 23 Oct 2025 | India vs New Zealand | Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| 26 Oct 2025 | India vs Bangladesh | Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
If India finishes in the top four, they will play in the semi-final on either 29 or 30 October. All Indian group stage matches will be played at 3:00 PM IST.
India’s Strengths
- Home Advantage: Playing in familiar conditions will be a big boost. Spinners like Deepti, Rana, and Radha will thrive on Indian pitches.
- Experienced Leaders: Harmanpreet and Mandhana provide both stability and aggression.
- Bowling Depth: With Renuka back in form, India has both pace and spin options to test strong batting sides like Australia and England.
Challenges Ahead
- Batting Consistency: India’s batting lineup has talent but sometimes struggles under pressure. Avoiding collapses will be key.
- Handling Big Matches: High-voltage games against Pakistan, Australia, and England will test nerves.
- Injury Concerns: Yastika Bhatia’s withdrawal is a reminder that injuries could impact balance during the long tournament.
Why This World Cup Matters
- It is the first Women’s ODI World Cup hosted in India and Sri Lanka in over a decade, making it historic for Asian cricket.
- India has twice reached the finals in the past but never won the trophy. This is a golden chance to do so in front of home fans.
- Women’s cricket has grown in popularity in recent years, especially after the Women’s Premier League (WPL). A successful campaign could further boost the sport’s profile in India.
Conclusion
The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is a milestone for women’s cricket and a big opportunity for Team India. With home advantage, a balanced squad, and rising confidence, they are strong contenders.
Tough games against Australia, England, and Pakistan will test them, but if the batters stay consistent and bowlers use conditions well, India could finally lift their first World Cup trophy.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
