Women’s World Cup 2025 Archives

Sana Mir responds to Indian media backlash over ‘Azad Kashmir’ remarks

Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir has strongly dismissed criticism from the Indian media over her reference to “Azad Kashmir” during live commentary at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

The controversy began in Pakistan and Bangladesh on Thursday, when she mentioned cricketer Natalia Pervaiz’s hometown as Azad Kashmir.

Indian outlets immediately jumped in and accused her of politicising the broadcast and urged the ICC to take action.

Rahul Rawat of India Today, Aaj Tak, and Sports Tak posted on social media platforms and criticized the commentator.

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“Former Pakistan captain Sana Mir has stirred a hornet’s nest by bringing up the Kashmir issue during live commentary today… The ICC is expected to act against Sana Mir.”

Senior journalist Vikrant Gupta echoed the sentiment, tagging ICC and BCCI officials while demanding “stern action” against Mir.

Fueling the debate further, Natalia Pervaiz’s Cricinfo profile — which initially listed her birthplace as Bandala, Azad Jammu and Kashmir — was later updated to Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

Breaking her silence, Mir took to X to clarify and urged people to stay away from politics.

“It’s unfortunate how things are being blown out of proportion. My comment about a Pakistan player’s hometown was only meant to highlight the challenges she faced and her incredible journey. Please don’t politicise it.”

She emphasized that her words carried no political agenda and that she had no intention of hurting sentiments.

“As commentators, we focus on the sport, teams, and players, telling inspiring stories of grit and perseverance. There is no malice in my heart or intention to hurt sentiments.”

READ: Pakistan squad holds scenario-based practice ahead of South Africa Tests

Dominant England crush South Africa in Women’s World Cup clash

GUWAHATI: Linsey Smith’s three-wicket haul helped England women rout South Africa women in the fourth match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, giving them a flying start to their campaign here at Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Set a meagre 70-run target, England romped to victory by 10 wickets in 14.1 overs.

After a miserable batting display, the Proteas had little to celebrate with the ball either. England’s openers wrapped up the chase with ease, as Tammy Beaumont struck three fours in her 21* from 35 balls, while Amy Jones’ score of 40* off 50 deliveries was laced with six fours.

Earlier, the four-time World Cup champions capitalized on the decision to field first and bowled out South Africa for just 69 runs in 20 overs. This was Proteas’ second-lowest total in the marquee event.

Notably, South Africa’s previous lowest total in a World Cup match also came against England in Cuttack, back in 2013.

Linsey Smith made early inroads with the new ball and tore through the Proteas top order. She removed Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits in the second and fourth over, respectively, both batters being dismissed for five runs.

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After losing early wickets, South Africa could not arrest the slide and were further dented by regular dismissals. Following Smith’s spell, Nat Sciver-Brunt and Lauren Bell chipped in with the ball and broke the backbone of South Africa’s batting lineup.

Sinalo Jafta top-scored for South Africa with 22 from 36 balls with the aid of three fours in an otherwise shambolic batting display.

In England’s all-round bowling display, Linsey Smith stood tall and was excellent with the ball, picking up three wickets in her four overs while giving away just seven. Nat Sciver-Brunt, Sophie Ecclestone, and Charlie Dean bagged two wickets each.

READ: Zimbabwe seal Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 berth with win over Kenya

Bangladesh outplay Pakistan to kick off Women’s World Cup campaign

COLOMBO: Clinical Bangladesh thumped Pakistan to start their ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 on a winning note here at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Set a partly 130-run target, Bangladesh hit the winning runs with ease on the loss of only three wickets with 19 overs to spare.

In defense of a below-par total, Pakistan removed Bangladesh’s Fargana Hoque in the third over. She departed after scoring two runs. Rubya Haider held one end firm with the second wicket falling on the last ball of the 11th over.

Rameen Shamim trapped Sharmin Akhter lbw to give Pakistan a glimmer of hope. As a result, Bangladesh were reduced to 35-2.

However, skipper Nigar Sultana and Rubya Haider forged a 62-run stand on the third wicket, which never allowed Pakistan to make a comeback into the match.

The partnership eventually ended with Sultana’s wicket, who made 23 from 44 balls.

Meanwhile, Rubya kept on scoring and reached her half-century in the process. She crafted another stand off 34* runs, which saw Bangladesh reach home.

Rubya Haider remained unbeaten on 54 from 77 balls, striking eight fours, whereas Sobhana Mostary struck six boundaries on her way to 24 from 19.

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For Pakistan, like batting, there weren’t major contributions. Rameen Shamim, Diana Baig, and Fatima Sana picked up one wicket each.

Earlier, Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter’s bowling spells helped Bangladesh bowl Pakistan for a modest total.

Pakistan could not capitalize on the decision to bat first at R. Premedasa Stadium, Colombo, and were bowled out for 129 runs in 38.3 overs.

Marufa Akter piled up a miserable start for Green Shirts as Omaima Sohail and inform Sidra Amin were sent packing for nought in the first over.

Following the early hiccup, Muneeba Ali and Rameen Shamim put on a brief 42-run stand, which gave their team some respite.

However, Nahida Akter struck in the 11th and 13th over to remove both batters, which put Bangladesh on top. Muneeba scored 17 from 35 deliveries, whereas Rameen struck two fours in her 23 from 39 balls.

As a result, Pakistan slumped to 47-4 in 13.4 overs, and Bangladesh continued to put pressure with regular wickets.

It was a day of collapses for Pakistan as they lost wickets one after another in quick succession.

For Bangladesh, Shorna Akter picked up three wickets. Marufa Akter and Nahida Akter were clinical with the ball and scored two apiece.

READ: BCCI official says ‘no assurance’ of handshake in India–Pakistan Women’s WC clash

Women’s World Cup: Pakistan win toss, elect to bat first against Bangladesh

COLOMBO: Pakistan have won the toss and decided to bat first against Sri Bangladesh in the third match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 here at R Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh: 1 Farqana Hoque, 2 Rubya Haider, 3 Sharmin Akhter, 4 Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), 5 Sobhana Mostary, 6 Shorna Akter, 7 Fahima Khatun, 8 Nahida Akter, 9 Rabeya Khan, 10 Marufa Akter, 11 Nishita Akter

Pakistan: 1 Muneeba Ali, 2 Omaima Sohail, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz, 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Fatima Sana, 7 Sidra Nawaz, 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Nashra Sandhu, 10 Diana Baig, 11 Sadia Iqbal

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and Bangladesh came face to face 16 times in Women’s ODIs with the Green Shirts narrowly ahead with 8-7 lead.

Matches 16, Pakistan 8, Bangladesh 7, Tie 1

READ: BCCI official says ‘no assurance’ of handshake in India–Pakistan Women’s WC clash

Women’s World Cup: Australia thump New Zealand to seal winning start

INDORE: Skipper Sophie Devine’s ton went in vain as Australia humbled New Zealand by 89 runs in the second fixture of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 here at the Holkar Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The defending champions started their title defence with a 16th straight victory over New Zealand.

“The defending champions started their title defence on a perfect note, as Australia’s opening World Cup win marked their 16th straight victory over the Black Caps.”

Set a daunting 327-run target, New Zealand’s batting faltered and were bundled out for 237 in 43.2 overs.

Australia’s bowlers endured a miserable start in New Zealand as they lost both of their openers on ducks. As a result, they were reduced to 0-2 in 1.3 overs.

However, Amelia Kerr and Sophie Devine put New Zealand back on course in the chase with a 75-run partnership. However, Australia chipped in with regular wickets in the middle, which never allowed the Black Caps to play with freedom.

Devine remained the top-scorer with 111 off 112 balls, laced with 12 fours and three sixes.

For Australia, Annabel Sutherland and Sophie Molineux starred with the ball, picking up three wickets each.

Earlier, Ashleigh Gardner rose to the occasion with a masterful century, rescuing her side as Australian women posted a strong total.

After opting to bat first, Australia were bowled out for 326 runs in 49.3 overs.

The openers were off to a flyer with 40 on the board at the end of five overs. Skipper Alyssa Healy scored 19 from 17 balls with the help of three fours before getting dismissed by Bree Illing.

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Australia batters kept up the run rate despite the wickets tumbling, and at the end of the powerplay, they were 81-1. However, New Zealand made a strong comeback once the fielding restrictions were lifted.

Phoebe Litchfield was bowled on the first ball after the power play. She made 45 from 31 balls, striking two sixes and half a dozen fours.

The wickets in the middle over shifted momentum towards New Zealand until Ashleigh Gardner’s arrival, who added a string of partnerships with the lower order, which steadied Australia’s innings.

The 28-year-old was involved in 64, 47, and 69 runs stands with Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, and Kim Garth, respectively.

She was eventually removed in the 46th over after scoring 115 from just 83 balls, peppered with 16 fours and a six.

For New Zealand, Lea Tahuhu and Jess Kerr shared six wickets between them.

READ: Marsh’s sublime knock powers Australia to victory in T20I opener

All-round Deepti helps India beat Sri Lanka in Women’s World Cup opener

GUWAHATI: All-round Deepti Sharma powered India to a victory against Sri Lanka women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 opener here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a revised 271-run target as per the DLS method, Sri Lanka were booked for 211 in 45.4 overs.

After losing Hasini Perera in the sixth over, skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama added 52 runs for the second wicket to revive the Islanders’ chase.

Once, Chamari Athapaththu fell, Sri Lanka’s momentum dipped, and India seized control of the innings with wickets at regular intervals.

She remained the top-scorer with 43 from 47 balls, striking three sixes and four boundaries.

For India, Deepti Sharma stood tall up with the ball, picking up three wickets which set the tone for an impressive victory.

Earlier, Inoka Ranaweera took an impressive four-wicket haul, but fighting half-centuries from Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma helped India women set a strong total.

Put into bat first, India chalked up 269-8 in a rain-affected clash reduced to 47 overs per side.

Sri Lanka removed dangerous Smriti Mandhana in the third over before a 67-run stand between Pratika Rawal and Harleen Deol lifted the team’s total to 81 in 19.2 overs.

The stand eventually culminated with Rawal’s wicket, who managed to score 37 from 59 balls with the aid of three fours and a six.

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Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur arrived at the crease and added a brief 39-run partnership with Deol, which brought the total to 120 in 25 overs.

However, Inoka Ranaweera’s three-wicket over sparked a collapse that slumped India to 124-6 in 27 overs.

Left-arm spinner Ranaweera removed Harleen Deol (48 from 64 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues (0) on successive deliveries, followed by a massive wicket of captain Kaul on the last ball of the 25th over. Kaur departed after scoring 21 from 19 balls.

In the next over, Chamari Athapaththu removed Richa Ghosh for two to peg back India.

Yet, India managed to post a good total, courtesy of Deepti Sharma’s and Amanjot Kaur’s 103 partnership. Sharma made 53 from 53 with the aid of three fours, whereas Kaur was impressive with her gutsy 57 from 56 balls, striking five fours and a six.

For Sri Lanka, Inoka Ranaweera stood up with the ball, picking up a four-wicket haul. Udeshika Prabodhani supported her well with two scalps.

READ: PCB unveils schedule of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2025-26

Pakistan set to depart for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 today

LAHORE: The Pakistan women’s cricket team will depart for Sri Lanka this evening to take part in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

Fatima Sana-led Pakistan women’s team will play two warm-up matches against Sri Lanka and South Africa as part of their final preparations for the World Cup 2025.

The team will open its campaign on October 2 against Bangladesh, followed by group-stage fixtures against India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka.

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In the build-up to the tournament, Pakistan hosted South Africa in a home ODI series that concluded on Monday. The visitors claimed the series 2-1, with Pakistan managing a consolation win in the final match.

Following the series, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Gaddafi Stadium and urged the national side to approach the World Cup with a fearless mindset.

“Fight till the last ball. Success is always the result of teamwork,” Naqvi told the players, wishing them success for the campaign in India.

Pakistan Squad for Women’s World Cup 2025

Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), and Syeda Aroob Shah.

Pakistan’s Fixtures:

October 2 – vs Bangladesh
October 5 – vs India
October 8 – vs Australia
October 15 – vs England
October 18 – vs New Zealand
October 21 – vs South Africa
October 24 – vs Sri Lanka

READ: Pakistan and Sri Lanka Fight for Asia Cup 2025 Survival

Final squads announced for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

The stage is set for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, with participating teams beginning to unveil their final squads ahead of the tournament.

The 13th edition of the marquee event will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, running from September 30 to November 2 across five cities.

Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the knockout stage.

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Defending champions Australia secured direct qualification alongside England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and hosts India. Meanwhile, Pakistan and Bangladesh completed the lineup through the April qualifiers.

The tournament will open on September 30 with hosts India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati.

Squads for Women’s World Cup 2025

Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vice-captain), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz (wicket-keeper), and Syeda Aroob Shah.

India: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.

Australia: Alyssa Healy (c), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.

England: Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge.

Bangladesh: Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sumaiya Akter

New Zealand: Sophie Devine (c), Suzie Bates, Eden Carson, Flora Devonshire, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Bree Illing, Polly Inglis, Bella James, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Georgia Plimmer, Lea Tahuhu

South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase. Reserves: Miane Smit

Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu, Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kaveesha Dilhari, Nilakshika Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Dasanayaka, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya.

READ: Record prize money announced for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025

Mohsin Naqvi urges Pakistan to play fearless cricket at Women’s World Cup

LAHORE: PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has urged the Pakistan women’s team to play fearless cricket at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, starting September 30 in India.

Mohsin Naqvi visited the Gaddafi Stadium following the conclusion of the Pakistan ODI series against South Africa.

Naqvi handed over the trophy to South Africa’s captain after the conclusion of the series and later met Pakistan women’s team players and coaches. He lauded the team’s performance and praised their fighting spirit.

The PCB chairman announced a cash prize of PKR 2 million for opener Sidra Amin in recognition of her back-to-back centuries during the series. In addition, all members of the women’s team will receive PKR 1 million each.

Wishing the team success ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup, Naqvi urged the players to play fearlessly and without pressure.

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“Fight till the last ball. Success is always the result of teamwork,” he remarked.

For context, Pakistan will depart for Sri Lanka tomorrow to play the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. The mega event is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 November.

Pakistan will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 2 and will play all its games at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo, at 3pm local time.

Pakistan team fixtures in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

2 October – vs Bangladesh
5 October – vs India
8 October – vs Australia
15 October – vs England
18 October – vs New Zealand
21 October – vs South Africa
24 October – vs Sri Lanka

READ: Mohammad Wasim backs Pakistan to shine at Women’s World Cup 2025

Mohammad Wasim backs Pakistan to shine at Women’s World Cup 2025

LAHORE: Pakistan women team head coach Mohammad Wasim expressed confidence on his side ahead of the ICC World Cup 2025 co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India.

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is scheduled to take place from 30 September to 2 November.

Ahead of the marquee event, Wasim remained confident despite Pakistan’s 2-1 loss to South Africa in the three-match ODI series concluded today.

“We have full confidence in our batters, and after today’s performance, the bowlers will also take a lot of confidence heading into the World Cup,” he told reporters.

“In the first two matches, the wickets were spin-friendly, similar to conditions in Sri Lanka. Ideally, it would have been good to prepare accordingly, but the positive side is that we will play at one venue, which gave us a bit of a home advantage,” he added.

He said that the ODI format suits the Pakistan women’s team and emphasized the outcome of the series, highlighting key areas for improvement.

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“As I’ve said before, this format is best suited to our team, and you could see that in the qualifiers. Small margins make the difference.

That’s an area we need to improve—finishing close matches and holding our nerve in crunch situations. Hopefully, before the World Cup, we’ll get opportunities to sharpen that aspect, especially against varied opposition, ” Mohammad Wasim continued.

Mohammad Wasim talked about mental strength and praised Sidra Amin, who was outstanding with the bat against South Africa, scoring 293 runs in three matches with the help of two centuries and a half-century.

“We have batting, bowling, and fielding coaches, but mental strength is also very important. If needed, we will definitely consider bringing in experts to help players in that area.”

“Sidra Amin’s two centuries and a fifty show the kind of performances our players are capable of. We are heading in the right direction as a team,” he concluded.

For context, Pakistan will begin its campaign against Bangladesh on October 2, and will play all its games at R. Premadasa ICS, Colombo, at 3pm local time.

Pakistan team fixtures in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025

2 October – vs Bangladesh
5 October – vs India
8 October – vs Australia
15 October – vs England
18 October – vs New Zealand
21 October – vs South Africa
24 October – vs Sri Lanka

READ: Six-star Sandhu seals consolatory win for Pakistan over South Africa