India Set to Host Women's ODI World Cup 2025: Key Matchups and Player Highlights
Women's ODI World Cup 2025 Returns to India
The Women's ODI World Cup is making a long-awaited return to India after 12 years, with the tournament scheduled to take place in 2025. Colombo will serve as a co-host city for this prestigious event. India will kick off the tournament against Sri Lanka on September 30 in Bengaluru. The competition will feature 28 league matches, along with semifinals and a final, spread across five cities. In addition to Bengaluru, the other venues include Guwahati, Indore, Vizag, and Colombo. A highly anticipated match between India and Pakistan is set for October 5 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Should either team advance to the semifinals or finals, those matches will also be held in Colombo, with logistics adjusted accordingly.
Head-to-Head Record
In the realm of Women's ODIs, India and Pakistan have faced each other 11 times, with India maintaining a flawless record. India has emerged victorious in all encounters, leaving Pakistan without a win. There have been no ties or no-result matches in their history. The first clash occurred on December 5, 2009, and their most recent meeting was on March 6, 2022. This impressive track record underscores India's dominance over Pakistan in the women's ODI format, showcasing their tactical prowess and experienced players in high-pressure situations.
Key Players to Watch
India:
Harmanpreet Kaur: As the captain of the Indian women's national team across all formats, Harmanpreet Kaur is a pivotal all-rounder. She made history in 2018 by becoming the first Indian woman to score a century in a T20 International. Kaur is also the only Indian female cricketer to surpass 3,000 runs in T20Is.
Smriti Mandhana: Serving as the vice-captain of the national team, Smriti Mandhana is recognized as one of the finest opening batters in cricket history. She ranks third for the most international centuries and is a key player for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women's Premier League.
Pakistan:
Nida Dar: A right-arm off-break bowler and right-handed batsman, Nida Dar has been leading the Pakistan women's cricket team as an all-rounder captain since April 2023. She is celebrated as one of the most accomplished T20I bowlers.
Fatima Sana: Known for her right-arm medium-fast bowling, Fatima Sana is the captain of the Pakistan women's cricket team. She has played domestic cricket for teams such as Karachi, Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, Barbados Royals, and Canterbury Magicians.