Table of Contents
Introduction: India’s Women’s Cricket Campaign Gains Momentum on Home Soil
The Indian women’s cricket team has begun their ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 campaign in impressive fashion, securing two consecutive victories that have positioned them at the top of the tournament points table . After convincing wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the Women in Blue now look ahead to their remaining group-stage matches with growing confidence and championship aspirations. This strong start has electrified the home crowd and established India as serious contenders for the title.
Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, this prestigious tournament marks the 13th edition of the Women’s Cricket World Cup and represents the final time the competition will feature just eight teams before expansion . For the Indian team, led by the experienced Harmanpreet Kaur, this tournament represents a golden opportunity to claim cricket’s ultimate prize on home soil, replicating the achievement of the men’s team in 2011. With the group stage well underway, this article provides a comprehensive preview of India’s upcoming matches, analyzing their opponents, key players, and the strategic dynamics that could determine their path to the knockout rounds.
India’s Women’s Cricket Remaining World Cup 2025 Schedule: Complete Match List
Following their dominant start to the tournament, the Indian women’s team faces five crucial group-stage matches that will determine their standing heading into the semifinals. Below is their complete schedule of upcoming cricket matches of India’s Women’s Cricket in the World Cup 2025:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Match Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 9, 2025 | South Africa Women | Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 10th Match |
| Oct 12, 2025 | Australia Women | Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam | 13th Match |
| Oct 19, 2025 | England Women | Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore | 20th Match |
| Oct 23, 2025 | New Zealand Women | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati | 23rd Match |
| Oct 26, 2025 | Bangladesh Women | M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru | 26th Match |
All matches are scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM GMT (3:00 PM Local Time) , providing ideal viewing conditions for players and an exciting evening spectacle for home fans. The schedule shows that India will play their next two matches in Visakhapatnam before moving to Indore, Guwahati, and finally Bengaluru for their final group stage encounter.
India’s Women’s Cricket Current Tournament Performance and Winning Momentum
Strong Start of Women’s Cricket in World Cup 2025
India’s campaign began with a commanding victory over Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on September 30, successfully defending a total of 269/8 by bowling out their opponents for 211 . This victory was followed by an even more impressive 88-run triumph against arch-rivals Pakistan on October 5, a result that extended India’s perfect record against Pakistan in ODIs to 12 wins in 12 matches .
The victory against Pakistan showcased India’s balanced strength across all departments. After being put in to bat on a challenging surface, India posted a competitive 247, with Harleen Deol top-scoring with 46 and Richa Ghosh providing a crucial late-innings burst with an unbeaten 35 from just 20 balls . The bowling attack then efficiently dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup, restricting them to 159 runs in 43 overs.
Carrying Momentum from England Tour
India’s current form extends beyond the World Cup, having recently enjoyed a successful tour of England in June-July 2025, where they won both the T20I series (3-2) and the ODI series (2-1) . This impressive away performance against a top-ranked side provided valuable confidence and team cohesion heading into the World Cup, demonstrating their ability to compete and win under diverse conditions.
The England tour also allowed several key players to find their form, with Smriti Mandhana creating history by becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats during her spectacular 112 off 62 balls in the first T20I . Meanwhile, emerging players like Kranti Goud announced their arrival on the international stage, with Goud taking a maiden ODI five-wicket haul (6/52) in the series-deciding third ODI .
Detailed Match Preview: India Women’s Cricket vs South Africa Women’s Cricket (October 9)
Team Overview and Key Players of Women’s Cricket
India’s first upcoming challenge comes against South Africa Women at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. South Africa approaches this match with mixed results in their tournament thus far, having won one and lost one of their opening two games .
The South African squad features several dangerous players who could challenge the Indian bowlers. Tazmin Brits arrives with confidence after scoring a magnificent 101 in their victory against New Zealand, while Laura Wolvaardt remains a perennial threat at the top of the order . In the bowling department, Nonkululeko Mlaba showcased her wicket-taking ability with a four-wicket haul in the same match, making her a significant threat to India’s batting lineup .
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Venue Dynamics
South Africa’s primary strength lies in their aggressive top-order batting and varied bowling attack. However, their middle order has occasionally shown vulnerability under pressure, which India’s bowlers will look to exploit. The Visakhapatnam pitch has traditionally offered a balanced contest between bat and ball, with some assistance for spinners as the match progresses.
India’s game plan will likely focus on early breakthroughs to expose South Africa’s middle order, while their batters will aim to build partnerships against a disciplined bowling attack. The match could well be decided in the middle overs, where India’s spinners might look to constrain South Africa’s scoring and create pressure-induced mistakes.
Detailed Match Preview: India Women’s Cricket vs Australia Women’s Cricket (October 12)
Historic Rivalry and Tournament Context of Women’s Cricket
The clash against Australia Women represents one of the most anticipated matches of the group stage, pitting two of the tournament’s strongest teams against each other. As the defending champions, Australia brings a formidable reputation and proven track record in World Cup competitions, having won their seventh title in the 2022 edition .
Australia has begun their title defense confidently, winning one match and having another affected by weather in their opening two games . The team boasts an impressive lineup of experienced match-winners, making this contest a true test of India’s championship credentials.
Key Players and Tactical Analysis of Women’s Cricket
The Australian squad is stacked with world-class talent across all departments. Their batting lineup features destructive openers and a deep batting order that can accelerate at any stage of the innings. In the bowling department, their varied attack includes pace, seam, and quality spin options capable of exploiting any pitch conditions.
India’s approach against Australia will need to be bold yet calculated. In their recent successful outings, India has demonstrated the ability to compete with and defeat top-ranked sides, as evidenced by their series win in England. To overcome Australia, India will need to produce their complete performance, with contributions from both established stars and emerging players. The Visakhapatnam crowd could play a significant role, providing the home team with vocal support in this crucial encounter.
Detailed Match Preview: India Women’s Cricket vs England Women’s Cricket (October 19)
Fresh From Series Victory in England Women’s Cricket
The contest against England Women at Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore carries added significance given the recent history between these two teams. India’s series victory in England during June-July 2025, where they won both the T20I (3-2) and ODI (2-1) series, provides them with a psychological advantage heading into this World Cup clash .
England, under the new leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt and coach Charlotte Edwards, has undergone something of a transformation, with vice-captain Charlie Dean describing it as a “fresh start” for the team . Despite their series loss to India, England remains a formidable opponent with considerable World Cup experience and the ability to bounce back strongly.
Key Battles and Venue Considerations of Women’s Cricket
Several individual matchups could decide this contest. The battle between India’s in-form top order, particularly Smriti Mandhana, and England’s pace attack led by Lauren Bell will be crucial. Similarly, England’s batting lineup, featuring players like Sophia Dunkley who scored 75 in the third T20I during the recent series, will face a stern test against India’s varied bowling attack .
The Holkar Stadium in Indore has traditionally favored batsmen, with the potential for high-scoring encounters. However, the pitch may also offer some assistance to spinners as the match progresses, bringing India’s Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana into prominence during the middle overs. India’s recent success against England, combined with home advantage, makes them slight favorites, but England’s determination to avenge their series loss ensures a highly competitive match.
Detailed Match Preview: India Women’s Cricket vs New Zealand Women’s Cricket (October 23)
Assessing the Opposition’s Current Form
India’s encounter with New Zealand Women at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati comes at a crucial stage of the group phase. New Zealand has experienced a challenging start to their tournament, losing both of their opening two matches and placing them near the bottom of the points table .
New Zealand captain Sophie Devine has expressed frustration with her team’s performances, stating after their loss to South Africa that “you can’t play half games in World Cups” and emphasizing the need for a complete performance across all departments . This desperation makes the White Ferns a potentially dangerous opponent as they fight to keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Key Players and Matchup Dynamics
Despite their struggles, New Zealand possesses several impact players capable of winning matches. Sophie Devine herself provides power-hitting at the top of the order, while the bowling attack includes experienced campaigners who can exploit favorable conditions. The Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati typically offers good bounce and carry, potentially assisting New Zealand’s seam bowlers.
India will need to be wary of New Zealand’s potential resurgence while focusing on executing their own game plan. The matchup between New Zealand’s top order and India’s pace attack, particularly the in-form Kranti Goud, could prove decisive. A victory here would significantly enhance India’s chances of securing a top-four spot and potentially topping the group stage.
Detailed Match Preview: India Women’s Cricket vs Bangladesh Women’s Cricket (October 26)
Rising Opponents with Growing Confidence
India’s final group stage match comes against Bangladesh Women at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Bangladesh has emerged as an increasingly competitive side in women’s cricket, demonstrated by their victory in their opening match of the tournament .
Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana has emphasized that the World Cup represents the “biggest stage for Bangladesh to show talent” and an opportunity to convince more established teams to play against them in future series . This mindset makes Bangladesh a potentially tricky opponent playing with freedom and determination to prove themselves against cricket’s traditional powers.
Key Threats and Strategic Approach
Bangladesh’s primary strength lies in their bowling attack, particularly their emerging pace sensation Marufa Akter. Captain Sultana has boldly claimed that Akter “can become Bangladesh’s greatest pacer ever,” high praise that reflects her talent and potential impact . England vice-captain Charlie Dean acknowledged the specific threat posed by Akter, noting that her team would “look to negate in-form Marufa Akter’s swing early on” in their upcoming match .
The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru typically offers true batting conditions with relatively short boundaries, potentially creating a high-scoring affair. India’s batters will look to dominate against Bangladesh’s attack while remaining respectful of the threat posed by Akter and their spin options. As India’s final group match, this encounter could carry significant implications for their semifinal positioning, potentially determining their opponent in the knockout stage.
In-Depth Analysis: India’s Women’s Cricket Key Players and Tournament Contributions
Batting Powerhouse: Top-Order Dominance
India’s batting strength has been on full display throughout their recent matches, with several players making crucial contributions:
- Smriti Mandhana: The vice-captain has been in sublime form, creating history during the England tour by becoming the first Indian woman to score centuries in all three formats. Her magnificent 112 off 62 balls in the first T20I against England set the tone for India’s successful tour and demonstrated her ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks . Mandhana has carried this form into the World Cup, providing solid starts alongside her opening partners.
- Harmanpreet Kaur: The captain led from the front during the ODI series in England, scoring 126 runs and earning Player of the Series honors . Though she has yet to hit her peak in the World Cup, her experience and powerful middle-order batting remain crucial assets during pressure situations. Her leadership, both on and off the field, provides the team with strategic direction and calmness during critical moments.
- Richa Ghosh: The wicketkeeper-batter has emerged as a devastating finisher, exemplified by her crucial unbeaten 35 from just 20 balls against Pakistan that lifted India to a competitive total . Her ability to accelerate in the death overs makes her an invaluable asset, often turning par totals into winning ones.
Women’s Cricket Bowling Prowess: Wicket-Taking Variety
India’s bowling attack has shown remarkable skill and adaptability throughout the tournament, with several bowlers making match-winning contributions:
- Kranti Goud: The emerging seamer has been a revelation for India, producing a Player of the Match performance against Pakistan with figures of 3/20 in 10 overs . Her ability to swing the ball both ways while maintaining an economical line and length has made her a potent weapon in the powerplay and middle overs. Goud’s development was evident during the England tour, where she took her maiden ODI five-wicket haul (6/52) in the series-deciding third ODI .
- Deepti Sharma: The experienced all-rounder continues to be a vital cog in India’s bowling attack, contributing both wickets and economical spells. Her 3/45 against Pakistan complemented Goud’s efforts perfectly, demonstrating the variety in India’s bowling resources . During the England tour, Deepti also showcased her batting prowess with an unbeaten 62 in the first ODI, highlighting her value as a genuine all-rounder .
- Deepti Sharma’s Record: During the England tour, Deepti became the joint-second highest wicket-taker (144) in women’s T20Is and took her 300th wicket in international cricket, milestones that underscore her consistency and longevity at the highest level .
Tournament Outlook and India’s Women’s Cricket Path to the Semifinals
Current Standing and Qualification Scenario
With two convincing victories in their opening matches, India currently sits at the top of the points table, positioning them favorably for semifinal qualification . The team’s net run rate of +1.515 provides an additional buffer as they approach their remaining group matches .
The tournament format sees all eight teams playing each other in a round-robin structure, with the top four teams advancing to the semifinals . India’s strong start means they likely need three more victories from their remaining five matches to secure a semifinal berth, though the exact qualification threshold may vary depending on other results.
Key Factors for Success in Upcoming Matches
As India progresses through the group stage, several factors will be crucial to their continued success:
- Top-Order Consistency: While India’s batting has shown flashes of brilliance, more consistent contributions from the top order would reduce pressure on the middle and lower order. The opening partnerships between Smriti Mandhana and her various partners have provided solid platforms, but converting starts into match-winning totals will be essential against stronger opponents.
- Middle-Overs Control: The period between overs 10-40 often determines the outcome of modern ODIs, and India’s ability to control both scoring and wicket-taking during this phase will be tested against quality opposition. The spin duo of Deepti Sharma and Sneh Rana, complemented by part-time options, could play a decisive role in these critical phases.
- Fielding Standards: While India’s bowling and batting have generally been impressive, their fielding has shown occasional lapses, including dropped catches during the Pakistan match . Improving fielding standards could make the difference in closely contested matches against top teams like Australia and England.
- Adaptability to Conditions: With matches spread across different venues in India, each with unique pitch conditions and characteristics, India’s ability to adapt their game plan accordingly will be tested. The team management’s reading of conditions and appropriate team selection will play a crucial role in determining outcomes.
Conclusion: India’s Women’s Cricket Quest for World Cup Glory Continues
The Indian women’s cricket team stands at a promising juncture in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with a perfect start to their campaign and favorable momentum heading into their remaining group matches. Their balanced squad combination of experienced stalwarts and exciting newcomers has proven effective thus far, while their recent series victory in England provides confidence that they can compete with and defeat the world’s best teams.
As the tournament progresses, each of India’s upcoming cricket matches presents unique challenges and opportunities. The clashes against powerhouse teams like Australia and England will test their championship credentials, while encounters with South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh require professional execution and focus to secure valuable points. Through this demanding schedule, the support of home crowds across various venues could provide the extra inspiration needed in closely contested moments.
With comprehensive coverage of India’s schedule, opponent analysis, and key player insights, fans can follow each development as Harmanpreet Kaur’s team continues their quest to bring the World Cup trophy home. The journey continues on October 9 against South Africa, where India will look to maintain their winning momentum and edge closer to a semifinal berth in cricket’s most prestigious tournament.
Disclaimer
The information provided is for general informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the author alone.
