The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is heating up with a highly anticipated showdown between England and Australia at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. While both powerhouse teams have already secured their spots in the semifinals, each boasting nine points from four wins and one no-result, this match carries significant weight due to long-standing rivalry and several exciting individual milestones.
England’s star all-rounder, Nat Sciver-Brunt, is on the cusp of etching her name further into World Cup history. Needing just four more runs, she is set to become only the third English batter, and ninth overall, to reach the coveted 1,000-run mark in ICC Women’s World Cups. Her impressive record includes 996 runs in 23 matches at an average of 55.33, featuring five centuries – the most by any player in the tournament’s history. Only English legends Jan Brittin (1,299 runs) and Charlotte Edwards (1,231) have surpassed this milestone before her. Sciver-Brunt has been in stellar form this edition, with 191 runs from four innings, highlighted by a magnificent 117 against Sri Lanka.
Adding to England’s pursuit of records, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is just two wickets shy of surpassing Jenny Gunn (136) to become England’s second-highest wicket-taker in women’s ODIs. Katherine Sciver-Brunt tops the list with 170 scalps.
**Pre-Match Buzz:**
Former England captain Heather Knight shared her excitement about being back after injury, expressing her hunger to make an impact throughout the tournament. She emphasized the importance of rotating the strike and capitalizing on scoring opportunities, especially on a pitch that might offer ‘tennis-ball bounce’. She also highlighted the team’s strong momentum and preparation, ready to face a formidable Australian side.
**Pitch Conditions:**
Cricket expert Aaron Finch noted a light breeze and uniform field dimensions (57m, 56m square, 67m straight). Carlos Brathwaite, another former West Indies star, described the Indore surface as unique, offering minimal spin, with a dry base and visible cracks. He predicted the ball might stay low as the game progresses, advising batters to play straight.
**Toss and Team Lineups:**
Australia’s stand-in captain Tahlia McGrath won the toss and elected to bowl first, aiming to chase under lights, anticipating some dew later. She confirmed three changes for Australia: Georgia Voll stepping in for the injured Alyssa Healy (calf injury) as opener, Beth Mooney taking over wicketkeeping duties, and the return of Sophie Molineux and Kim Garth. England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt also admitted she would have preferred to bowl first, but stressed the importance of building strong partnerships and maintaining momentum while batting first. England opted for an unchanged playing XI.
**Australia Women (Playing XI):** Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney(w), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath(c), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.
**England Women (Playing XI):** Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones(w), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt(c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Alice Capsey, Charlotte Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
**Match Begins:**
After the national anthems, the fierce rivalry commenced. England’s openers, Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, started steadily against Megan Schutt’s new ball. Early boundaries by Tammy Beaumont, including a six off a no-ball, and some well-timed fours from Amy Jones saw England reach a respectable 42 for no loss after 6.1 overs, setting a solid foundation for their innings. Kim Garth bowled a maiden over, showcasing Australia’s disciplined bowling attack despite the early runs.