Women’s World Cup 2025 Archives

THIS Pakistan player named in Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday unveiled the Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament, with Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz being the only player from the country to earn a place in the star-studded lineup.

The team, dominated by players from India and South Africa, celebrates standout performers from what was a record-breaking edition of the Women’s World Cup.

India’s triumphant campaign saw Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Deepti Sharma all named in the XI, while South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt was chosen to lead the side after a remarkable tournament with the bat.

Wolvaardt topped the scoring charts with 571 runs at an average of 71.37, setting a new record for the most runs in a single Women’s World Cup.

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Mandhana followed closely as the second-highest run-getter, with a string of consistent performances including a brilliant century against New Zealand.

Rodrigues earned her spot courtesy of her match-winning 127 against Australia in the semi-final*, while Deepti Sharma, who was named Player of the Tournament, etched her name in history as the first woman to score over 200 runs and take more than 15 wickets in a single edition.

Australia, who reached the semi-finals, saw Annabel Sutherland, Ash Gardner, and Alana King make the cut, while England’s Sophie Ecclestone was also included for her stellar bowling efforts. Nat Sciver-Brunt was named as the 12th player.

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Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Sidra Nawaz earned recognition for her exceptional glovework behind the stumps throughout the tournament.

Despite Pakistan’s underwhelming campaign, the wicketkeeper impressed with her consistency and sharp presence, becoming the only player from outside the semi-finalists to feature in the XI.

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament:

Smriti Mandhana, Laura Wolvaardt (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Marizanne Kapp, Ash Gardner, Deepti Sharma, Annabel Sutherland, Nadine de Klerk, Sidra Nawaz (wk), Alana King and Sophie Ecclestone.

12th Player: Nat Sciver Brunt.

READ: Wasim Akram tips THIS pacer as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling sensation

India announces $5.75 million reward for women’s World Cup winners

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a cash reward of $5.75 million for the women’s team after their triumphant ICC World Cup 2025 campaign.

Hosts India beat South Africa by 52 runs in front of a sell-out home crowd at Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium on Sunday to lift their first one-day international (ODI) World Cup.

BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia told AFP that the money was awarded “as a token of appreciation for the women’s team”, and would be spread across the players, support staff and selectors involved.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

The Indian women, who triumphed at the third attempt after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017, have already received $4.48 million in prize money from the International Cricket Council (ICC), a 239 percent increase from the $1.32 million awarded to Australia in 2022.

This edition of the Women’s World Cup boasted an overall purse of $13.88 million, eclipsing the total $10 million for the last edition of the men’s championship.

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India toiled in the league phase and suffered three successive defeats, but clinched the last semi-final spot before knocking out record seven-time champions and heavy favourites Australia.

Fans celebrated the victory at home and on the streets, with crowds in Delhi waving Indian flags and setting off fireworks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the “historic win will motivate future champions to take up sports”.

READ: Jobe Bellingham finding his feet as Dortmund head to City

Harmanpreet Kaur imitates Lionel Messi after Women’s World Cup victory

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur imitated Argentine football star Lionel Messi in a heartfelt social media post after her team won the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

A day after India defeated South Africa in a thrilling final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Kaur shared a heartfelt post on Instagram that quickly went viral.

In the picture, the Indian captain can be seen peacefully sleeping beside the World Cup trophy, a gesture reminiscent of Messi’s viral photo after leading Argentina to FIFA World Cup glory in 2022.

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Donning a white T-shirt with the line, “Cricket is ~~a gentleman’s~~ EVERYONE’s game,” with the word ‘gentleman’s’ struck out, Harmanpreet Kaur sent out a message about inclusivity in sport.

“Some dreams are shared by a billion people. That’s why cricket is everyone’s game,” she captioned the post.

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A post shared by Harmann (@imharmanpreet_kaur)

With this win, India became only the fourth nation in the 52-year history of the Women’s ODI World Cup to lift the prestigious title.

The first edition took place in 1973, where England defeated Australia to become the inaugural champions.

Since then, Australia have dominated the competition with seven titles, including a hat-trick of wins between 1978 and 1989, while England follow with four championships (1973, 1993, 2009, and 2017).

New Zealand, the 2001 champions, were the only other team to have won the tournament before India’s triumph.

READ: Babar Azam shares heartfelt message after T20I series triumph

ICC announces match officials for Women’s World Cup final

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the match officials for the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.

The summit clash will be played between hosts India and South Africa on Sunday at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Australia’s Eloise Sheridan and West Indies’ Jacquline Williams will take the responsibilities for on-field umpiring, while Sue Redfern will serve as the Third Umpire.

Both officials have had an active role throughout the group stage, including the semi-final between England and South Africa.

Sheridan also oversaw England’s commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa as well as the Proteas’ victory against Pakistan.

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Meanwhile, Williams stood in South Africa’s triumphs against India and Bangladesh and England’s mixed outings against India and Australia.

The Fourth Umpire will be Nimali Perera, and Michelle Pereira will occupy the role of the Match Referee.

For context, both teams will be eyeing their maiden title, a feat they have never achieved in the tournament’s 52-year history.

South Africa have demonstrated outstanding performances throughout the tournament and finished in second spot on the points table. The Proteas women also toppled four-time champions England in the semi-final with a statement win.

On the contrary, India had a topsy-turvy campaign, finishing in fourth position on the table. However, they bounced back in the later part of the tournament. They clinched a memorable win over the seven-time champions, Australia, in the second semi-final of the marquee event.

Match officials for India vs South Africa final

On-field Umpires: Eloise Sheridan, Jacquline Williams

Third Umpire: Sue Redfern

Fourth Umpire: Nimali Perera

Match Referee: Michell Pereira

READ:Hazlewood, Marsh star as Australia thump India in second T20I

Multiple records shattered in India’s semi-final win over Australia

NAVI MUMBAI: Jemimah Rodrigues anchored an epic chase that shattered multiple records as India defeated defending champions Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final on Thursday.

Phoebe Litchfield struck a brilliant hundred to power Australia to 338, setting a daunting target of 339 runs for the hosts.

However, India scripted history by pulling off the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI history, surpassing Australia’s 331 against India in Visakhapatnam earlier this month.

In doing so, India also became the first team ever to chase down a 300-plus target in a World Cup knockout, men’s or women’s.

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The run-fest produced 679 runs in total, the second-highest aggregate ever recorded in Women’s ODIs.

Fourteen sixes were smashed in the game, the most ever in a Women’s World Cup match, pushing the ongoing edition’s tally of maximums to a record 124, eclipsing the 111 hit in 2017.

Jemimah Rodrigues played a crucial role in India’s remarkable victory, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs off 134 balls, with 14 fours.

This innings now holds the record for the highest score by an Indian in an ODI run chase, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s 125 runs against Australia last month.

Additionally, she has joined Nat Sciver-Brunt as only the second player in history to score a century while chasing in a World Cup knockout match.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

The 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur was another record in itself, the highest partnership for India against Australia in Women’s World Cups, surpassing the Mithali Raj–Punam Raut effort of 157 in 2017.

It was also the sixth 150-plus stand in a World Cup knockout, and the first not involving Australian batters.

Australia’s Litchfield, at just 22 years old, became the youngest player to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout match.

Additionally, the Australian team set a new record by achieving six hundreds in this edition of the tournament, the most ever in a single World Cup campaign.

READ: India-Pakistan clash confirmed as Asia Cup Rising Stars Championship schedule revealed

Women’s World Cup: Ice-cool Rodrigues ton helps India down Australia in semi-final

NAVI MUMBAI: Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion with an imperious knock under pressure to guide India past defending champions Australia and into the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Thursday.

Set a daunting 339-run target, India hit the winning runs on the loss of five wickets with nine balls to spare. This also marked the highest-ever chase for a team in the Women’s ODIs.

The final of the marquee event will be played on Sunday between India and South Africa.

The hosts started the chase on a shaky note as they lost the opener Shafali Verma in the second over, who made 10 from five balls. Following the early wicket, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues added a 46-run stand.

However, Mandhana was removed after scoring 24 from 24 deliveries. As a result, India were 59-2 in 9.2 overs.

The moment was there and came, skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who paired up with Rodrigues for a mammoth 167-run partnership. The duo’s stance was enough to prompt Australia to seek answers.

Their partnership took the total to 226 in 35.2 overs, with the hosts still requiring runs to score. Australia sensed a comeback with Kaur’s wicket, who departed after making 89 from 88 balls with the aid of 10 fours and two sixes.

Yet, it was Rodrigues’ composure at the crease that took his side over the line in the final over. Albeit Richa Ghosh played a vital cameo of 26 from 16 balls, Jemimah Rodrigues 127 from 134 balls included 14 fours.

For Australia, Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland picked up two wickets each.

Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 from just 93 balls propelled Australia to a strong total.

Australia capitalized on the decision to bat first and racked up 338 runs in 49.5 overs.

Skipper Alyssa Healy was removed early in the fifth over, but Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry forged a massive 155-run stand which kept the Indian bowlers at bay.

Litchfield remained the core aggressor, while Perry played second fiddle, which took their total to 180 in only 27.2 overs. The stand eventually culminated with the former wicket, who struck 17 fours and three sixes in her sublime knock.

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Perry continued on until the 40th over and was bowled after making 77 from 88 balls with the aid of six fours and two sixes. As a result, Australia were reduced to 243-5.

Despite India’s comeback in the latter part of the innings with quick wickets, Ashleigh Gardner’s 63 from 45 balls ensured the defending champions finished strong.

For India, Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets each.

READ: Pakistani wrestler Hasan Ali claims bronze at Asian Youth Games

Australia win toss, bat first against India in Women’s World Cup semi-final

NAVI MUMBAI: Australia have won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here on Thursday.

Head to Head

Both teams have faced each other 61 times in ODIs, with Australia winning 49 matches while India has only managed to win 11 games.

Playing XIs

India XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, N Shree Charani, Renuka Singh.

Australia XI: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt

READ: Pakistan wrestlers gear up to shine in beach wrestling at Asian Youth Games

Women’s World Cup: Wolvaardt shatters multiple records with 169 against England

GUWAHATI: South Africa captain Laura Wolvaardt broke multiple records with her epic 169 from 143 balls against England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Put into bat first, the Proteas recorded a massive 319-run total in their 50 overs, courtesy of Wolvaardt’s sublime knock.

Highest total for SA-W in ODI World Cups

319/7 against England in Guwahati, 2025 semi-final
312/9 against Pakistan in Colombo, 2025
305/9 against England in Bristol, 2017
275/7 against India in Christchurch, 2022

With the help of the skippers knock, South Africa outplayed England by a hefty margin of 125 runs to book a place in the final for the first time.

The 319 run total was South Africa’s highest ever in World Cup matches. Moreover, it was also the second-highest total in a knockout match.

The skipper struck 20 fours and four maximums in her monumental knock, which made her the first women’s player to score an ODI hundred in the knockout of the World Cup.

She has now scored the most half-centuries (12) in the marquee event, surpassing India’s Mithali Raj’s record of 11. Her 169 is also the second-best score by a captain in the women’s ODI WC.

Highest individual scores in World Cup knockouts

Harmanpreet Kaur – 171* against Australia, 2017 semi-final
Alyssa Healy – 170 against England, 2022 final
Laura Wolvaardt – 169 against England, 2025 semi-final
Nat Sciver-Brunt – 148* against Australia, 2022 final

During her knock, she also crossed the 5000 runs mark and entered the list of batters with the most centuries in WODIs.

Best Individual Innings in Women’s World Cup

15 – Meg Lanning (Australia)
14 – Smriti Mandhana (India)
13 – Suzie Bates (New Zealand)
12 – Tammy Beaumont (England)
10 – Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
10 – Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa)

READ: South Africa crush England to reach first ever Women’s World Cup final

South Africa crush England to reach first ever Women’s World Cup final

GUWAHATI: Laura Wolvaardt’s magnificent 169 and Marizanne Kapp’s all-round heroics powered South Africa to victory over England in the first semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The emphatic win marked the first time that South Africa women have reached the World Cup final.

Set a daunting 319-run target, England crumbled under pressure and were bowled out for a mere 194 in 42.3 overs.

The Three Lions chase started on a bizarre note as they lost their top-three batters for ducks in the first two overs.

Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka wreaked havoc with the new ball, removing Amy Jones, Tammy Beaumont, and Heather Knight.

As a result, England were in deep waters with 3-1 in 1.1 overs.

After early setbacks, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Alice Capsey paired up and added 107 runs for the third wicket partnership. The stand provided them with some respite and increased their hopes of reaching the final.

Skipper Nat Sciver-Brunt made 64 from 76 balls, while Capsey scored 50 from 71 deliveries.

However, Sune Luus provided South Africa the much-needed breakthrough with Capsey’s dismissal. At this stage, England were 108-4 in 22.5 overs.

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Sciver-Brunt was involved in another partnership of 30 runs with Danni Wyatt-Hodge before a collapse that folded their innings. Wyatt made 30 from 34 balls with the help of five fours.

For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp picked up a five-wicket haul while Nadine de Klerk scalped two wickets.

Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa racked up 319-7 in their 50 overs.

Captain Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits laid a strong foundation with a mammoth 116-run stand for the opening wickets. Brits stuck 45 from 65, including six fours and a maximum.

England kept on taking wickets at regular intervals, but it was Wolvaardt’s knock for the ages that held South Africa’s innings. The skipper 169 from 143 balls was peppered with 20 fours and four sixes.

Marizanne Kapp also starred with the bat as she hit four boundaries and a six on her way to 42 from 33 balls.

For England, Sophie Ecclestone was the long, bright star in the bowling. She picked up four wickets in her quota of 10 overs.

The second semi-final between hosts India and defending champions Australia will be played tomorrow in Navi Mumbai.

READ: Persistent rain washes out India-Australia T20I opener

ICC announces match officials for Women’s World Cup semi-finals

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has revealed the lineup of match officials for the semi-finals of the Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with England, South Africa, Australia, and India set to vie for a spot in the grand finale later this week.

The first semi-final, scheduled for October 29 in Guwahati, will see England take on South Africa.

Australia’s Eloise Sheridan and the West Indies’ Jacquline Williams have been appointed as on-field umpires for the high-stakes encounter.

Both officials have had an active role throughout the group stage.

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Sheridan oversaw England’s commanding 10-wicket win over South Africa as well as the Proteas’ victory against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Williams stood in South Africa’s triumphs against India and Bangladesh and England’s mixed outings against India and Australia.

Vrinda Rathi will serve as the third umpire, Claire Polosak as the fourth, with GS Lakshmi acting as match referee.

The second semi-final, set for October 30 at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, promises a blockbuster as hosts India face table-toppers Australia.

South Africa’s Lauren Agenbag and England’s Sue Redfern will be the on-field umpires for the much-anticipated clash.

Catch ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 news updates here!

Agenbag has officiated several of India’s group matches, including fixtures against Pakistan, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, while Redfern featured during Australia’s record-breaking chase against India earlier in the tournament.

Kim Cotton will serve as the third umpire, Nimali Perera as the fourth, and Michell Pereira will oversee proceedings as match referee.

In terms of standings, Australia marched into the knockouts unbeaten to top the table, while India secured the final semi-final berth by finishing fourth.

England, buoyed by a dominant win over New Zealand, ended second, setting up a rematch with South Africa, who clinched third place.

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