The Indian women’s cricket team is embarking on what promises to be a historic journey at the ODI World Cup 2025, commencing today with a high-stakes encounter against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Guwahati. Ranked third globally, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad is eager to leverage home advantage and their current impressive form to finally clinch their maiden ICC trophy, a dream they’ve pursued for 47 years. This 13th edition of the tournament marks its return to India after a 12-year hiatus, bringing with it record prize money of USD 13.88 million, an unprecedented sum that surpasses even the men’s 2023 World Cup. Eight premier nations—Australia, England, India, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Pakistan—will compete across 28 league matches in India and Colombo.
India enters the tournament brimming with confidence, having recently secured series victories over England and showcased strong performances against formidable Australia. The batting lineup, a key strength, is anchored by vice-captain Smriti Mandhana, who is enjoying a career-best year with four centuries and an average exceeding 66. Young opener Pratika Rawal provides crucial stability, compensating for Shafali Varma’s absence. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s renowned temperament for big matches brings invaluable experience, further bolstered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ return from injury in the middle order. With power-hitters like Richa Ghosh and all-rounders Harleen Deol and Deepti Sharma, India boasts a formidable batting unit capable of chasing down imposing totals, as demonstrated by their near-record chase of 413 against Australia earlier this year.
The bowling department receives a welcome boost with the return of pacer Renuka Singh. While young talent like Kranti Goud has shown promise with a six-wicket haul in England, the overall pace unit remains relatively inexperienced. Recent matches have seen opponents post high scores, highlighting a potential area of concern. Furthermore, injuries to key players like Arundhati Reddy and Amanjot Kaur add to the challenges. However, the spin attack, led by the experienced Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, and Sneh Rana, is well-suited to home conditions. The effectiveness of spin could be reduced on flat pitches, making depth and composure under pressure crucial tests for India.
Co-hosts Sri Lanka, making their return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition, will rely heavily on their veteran captain, Chamari Athapaththu. Their rising star is 20-year-old all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga, who made headlines with a match-winning 5/43 against South Africa in a recent Tri-Nation series. With five league matches scheduled on home turf in Colombo, including a significant clash against India on October 5, Sri Lanka is banking on familiar conditions and enthusiastic local support to outperform expectations. If Athapaththu and their emerging talents can deliver, they possess the potential to upset higher-ranked teams and contend for a semifinal spot, injecting extra excitement into the tournament’s initial stages.
Historically, India’s women’s cricket has steadily risen in prominence since their international debut in 1976 and hosting the World Cup two years later. After years of relative obscurity, a semifinal berth in 1997 marked a turning point. Their most notable achievements came in 2005 and 2017, where they reached the finals before succumbing to Australia and England, respectively. These campaigns shifted perceptions, transforming India from underdogs into consistent contenders. Despite growing fanfare and professional infrastructure, the elusive ICC trophy has remained out of reach. As the tournament unfolds on home soil, Harmanpreet’s team carries the immense hopes of a nation, determined to convert past near-misses into a triumphant, history-making victory.
While India aims for glory, defending champions Australia remain the team to beat. Led by Alyssa Healy, they seek an unprecedented eighth title and look to extend their unbeaten streak in World Cups held in India. Their deep talent pool, consistent performance, and proven match-winners solidify their position as tournament favourites. England, currently ranked second, will be equally determined to reclaim the crown they last won in 2017. Nat Sciver-Brunt spearheads their charge, offering a blend of resilience and flair. Both Australia and England arrive with strong form and impressive pedigrees, ensuring that their encounters with India, New Zealand, and South Africa will be among the tournament’s most eagerly anticipated matches. Their dominance will undoubtedly provide an early test of India’s resolve.