Published on: Oct 04, 2025
The countdown is nearly over. From September 30 to November 2, 2025, the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup will take place across five venues in India and Sri Lanka. With eight of the world’s strongest national sides set to compete, the stage is set for a tournament full of drama, high skill, and fierce rivalries. Each team has traveled its own road to qualification, bringing unique strengths, star players, and tactical approaches. Here’s a look at all the participating nations and what to expect from them.
Australia
The reigning champions arrive in India as the team to beat. Australia qualified directly thanks to their dominant ODI ranking and a legacy of consistent performances. They boast world-class talent across the board, with players like Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry expected to anchor their batting order. Their bowling, led by the likes of Megan Schutt and Alana King, is equally formidable.
What sets Australia apart is their depth, every position is covered by a proven performer. Their weakness, if any, might be adjusting to Indian pitches that favor spin more than pace. As highlighted by the odds available online for the event, the Australian national team is considered the favourite to win the title and confirm its status as champion: betting on it therefore seems the most natural choice. To get a clearer picture of how bookmakers rate its chances compared to other contenders, fans can check the best betting sites at Oddschecker and choose the one that best suits their needs to follow the odds throughout the tournament.
India
As co-hosts, India enters the competition with high expectations and a passionate fan base behind them. They qualified automatically as hosts and carry the advantage of familiar conditions. The spotlight will be on Smriti Mandhana, who has matured into one of the most reliable openers in women’s cricket, and Harmanpreet Kaur, whose explosive batting can turn games.
England
England, the 2017 champions, booked their spot through the ODI rankings and come in as one of the top challengers. Their squad features Nat Sciver-Brunt, arguably the best all-rounder in the women’s game, and Sophie Ecclestone, the world’s top-ranked spinner. Their batting is strong in the top order, though reliance on a few key players has sometimes hurt them.
South Africa
South Africa qualified directly and are known for their balance across batting and bowling. Laura Wolvaardt, their captain and star batter, is the anchor at the top of the order, while Shabnim Ismail and Ayabonga Khaka bring pace and firepower.
New Zealand
The White Ferns have a proud history in women’s cricket but have struggled for consistency in recent years. They earned their qualification via the ODI rankings and come with experienced players like Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr. Kerr, in particular, has been a standout with both bat and ball.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s women’s team has made steady progress and secured qualification via rankings. They rely heavily on Bismah Maroof’s calm leadership and Nida Dar’s all-round skills. Their bowling attack, often spearheaded by young quicks, can be dangerous on its day.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, as co-hosts, enter the tournament with the advantage of playing in home conditions for part of the group stage. Their talisman, Chamari Athapaththu, remains one of the most destructive batters in world cricket.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh round out the eight qualified teams. While they may not be traditional favorites, they’ve built a reputation as gritty competitors. Salma Khatun and Nigar Sultana Joty lead the side with both experience and composure.
In Summary
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises a fascinating mix of established giants and ambitious challengers. Australia, India, and England look like the strongest candidates on paper, but cricket has always thrived on unpredictability. With passionate crowds, spin-friendly pitches, and rising global attention, this edition of the Women’s World Cup could deliver surprises at every turn and perhaps crown a new champion.