As the cricketing world converges on the subcontinent for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, all eyes are on India, a team poised to harness the energy of home support and the pride of a nation that cherishes its cricket.
For the first time since 2013, India hosts this marquee event, setting the stage for a campaign that promises to be as much about national ambition as it is about the growth of the women’s game. With a schedule brimming with high-stakes fixtures and historic rivalries, India’s journey through the tournament is set to be a compelling narrative of resilience, skill, and the relentless pursuit of glory.
Before they head to the mega event of the year, Women in Blue would be keen to leave no stone unturned in their preparations as they aim to take another shot at their maiden ICC title at the senior level, after coming close, with a story of several near misses. The Indian contingent looks determined and hungrier than ever to cross the final hurdle.
The journey begins with a high-profile tour of England, where the Women in Blue, under the leadership of the indomitable Harmanpreet Kaur, will lock horns with the hosts in a five-match T20I series, swiftly followed by a three-match ODI series. From 28th June to 22nd July 2025, cricket fans are set for a feast of competitive cricket, as India tests its mettle against an England side led by the formidable Nat Sciver-Brunt, a team known for its depth, experience, and flair.
This dual-format series is more than just a bilateral contest; it is a crucial litmus test for both teams ahead of the global showdown later in the year. For India, the tour presents an opportunity to fine-tune combinations, acclimatise to challenging conditions, and build momentum. The T20Is, with their fast-paced, high-pressure scenarios, will offer a glimpse into India’s adaptability and tactical nous. The subsequent ODIs, with their longer narratives and strategic depth, will be a perfect rehearsal for the World Cup’s demanding format.
Upon returning home, the Women in Blue will have little time to rest, as they gear up to host Australia, the reigning world champions, in a three-match ODI series from 14th to 20th September 2025. Led by the dynamic Alyssa Healy, the Australian team brings with it a legacy of dominance and a hunger for continued success. This series promises to be a thrilling prelude to the World Cup, pitting two of the world’s best sides against each other in conditions that will be familiar to the hosts but challenging for the visitors.
With Harmanpreet Kaur at the helm, India’s leadership is in safe hands. The skipper’s aggressive brand of cricket and her ability to inspire her teammates will be pivotal as the team navigates this intense period of international cricket. The experience gained from these high-stakes bilateral series will be invaluable as India looks to hit the ground running in the World Cup opener, a marquee clash against Sri Lanka at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on 30th September 2025.
As the countdown to the World Cup begins, these bilateral series are more than just warm-up matches. They are the crucible in which India’s World Cup aspirations will be forged, a chance to build confidence, iron out weaknesses, and send a strong message to their rivals.
As hosts of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, India carries the hopes of a cricket-loving nation eager to see their team shine on home soil. The Indian squad will launch their campaign in grand style, opening the tournament against Sri Lanka at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Tuesday, 30 September, a match that promises to set the stage for an electrifying month of cricket.
India’s schedule is packed with marquee encounters that are sure to capture the imagination of fans. Just days after the opener, the team will face one of their most anticipated fixtures: a high-voltage clash against arch-rivals Pakistan at the neutral venue of R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, 5 October. This match, steeped in history and emotion, is always a litmus test of nerve and skill, and could prove pivotal in shaping India’s path to the knockout stages.
The journey continues as India travel to Vizag for a crucial encounter with South Africa on Thursday, 9 October, followed by a blockbuster showdown against defending champions Australia at the same venue on Sunday, 12 October. These back-to-back challenges against top-ranked sides will test India’s mettle and provide a clear indication of their readiness to script history if the opportunity arises.
As the group stage progresses, India will take on England in Indore on Sunday, 19 October, a fixture that has grown in stature in recent years, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. The penultimate league match sees India face New Zealand in Guwahati on Thursday, 23 October, before wrapping up the group phase with a home fixture against Bangladesh in Bengaluru on Sunday, 26 October.
With a blend of home advantage and a challenging schedule, India’s journey through the World Cup is set to be a thrilling ride, one that could culminate in a semi-final berth and, if all goes to plan, a shot at glory in the final on Sunday, 2 November. For fans and players alike, every match is an opportunity to celebrate the rise of women’s cricket in India and to inspire a new generation of champions.
India’s path in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is not a mere sequence of matches but a story of opportunity, inspiration, and the evolving landscape of women’s cricket. Each fixture, from the electric opener to the high-pressure encounters against global powerhouses, offers a chance for the team to carve its legacy and for fans to witness history in the making.
