From September 30 to November 2, India and Sri Lanka will host the world’s premier international women’s cricket tournament. Eight of the top teams will clash for the championship and a prize pool of $4,480,000. The strong commercial response and growing spectator interest highlight that women’s cricket has finally stepped out of the shadow of men’s competitions.
The ICC Women’s Cricket Cup 2025 promises packed stadiums, record-breaking betting activity, and thrillingly unpredictable matches. Only a careful analysis of statistics and performance trends can reveal the frontrunners for the title and the tournament’s potential dark horses.
ICC Women: Team Roster Overview: Star Players and Emerging Talents
Australia: A Blend of Experience and Youth
Seven-time world champions Australia enter the tournament as clear favorites. Captain Alyssa Healy, alongside Ashleigh Gardner and Ellyse Perry, forms the backbone of the squad.
The team also showcases promising young talents. Georgia Voll has had a standout season, cementing herself as a reliable opener. Left-handed batter Phoebe Litchfield, who made her WBBL debut at just 16, has continued her impressive development and, at 22, is ready to prove herself at the international level.
India: The Home Advantage Factor
As hosts, India has the potential to create upsets under the leadership of Harmanpreet Kaur. The squad sees a notable change with the absence of Shafali Verma due to a dip in form, replaced by Pratika Rawal, who has formed a strong opening partnership with Smriti Mandhana.
India’s pace and spin options could shine through players like Kranti Gaud, a right-arm medium pacer with impressive stats, and Shree Charani, who adds variation to the spin attack.
ICC Women England: Squad Changes and a New Coach
England faces the tournament without key players Kate Cross, Maia Bouchier, and Alice Davidson-Richards due to limited opportunities for an extra spinner. On the positive side, Sarah Glenn returns, and Charlotte Edwards makes her ICC coaching debut.
Young batter Alice Capsey will also be under the spotlight, already showing resilience and promise for the national team.
ICC Women Pakistan: Betting on Youth
Pakistan’s squad leans heavily on young talent. All-rounder Fatima Sana is expected to make an impact, while Eyman Fatima, though inexperienced as a batter, impressed during her T20I debut in Ireland and could develop further.
ICC Women Bangladesh: Focus on U19 Prospects
Bangladesh is investing in its U19 talent pool. Experienced batter Rubya Haider remains a key figure, while rising stars Nishita Akter Nishi and Sumaiya Akter, who excelled at the U19 World Cup earlier this year, are expected to make significant contributions.
ICC Women South Africa: Strong Core but Limited Depth
South Africa boasts a well-organized team led by Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, and Chloe Tryon. However, the squad faces challenges with limited pace options and depth in attack.
17-year-old Karabo Meso, a talented wicketkeeper with two U19 World Cups under her belt, could step in for Sinalo Jafta. Young all-rounder Miané Smit is another promising prospect.
ICC Women New Zealand: Banking on the Top Order
New Zealand has strengthened its coaching setup with batting consultant Craig McMillan. Leaders Suzie Bates, Sophie Devine, and Amelia Kerr are expected to anchor the top order. A consistent performance from the top could make New Zealand a major surprise package.
Sri Lanka: Reliant on Star Power
Chamari Athapaththu is Sri Lanka’s standout player with top batting credentials in major tournaments. However, questions remain over the stability of the middle order and the spin attack.
Tournament Outlook
Australia remains the most decorated side, with seven World Cup titles and reigning champion status. England, with four titles and a recent final appearance, still looks to reclaim past glory.
New Zealand could be the tournament’s dark horse if its top order fires consistently, while India’s combination of home advantage, WPL-honed debutants, and experienced spinners makes them strong contenders to challenge Australia and England.
Sri Lanka, returning after missing the last World Cup, aims to prove itself under a talented coaching setup. South Africa’s steady progress positions them as rising contenders, while Pakistan and Bangladesh look to capitalize on youthful energy and qualification momentum.