2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup: A Preview of Milestones and Records
The 13th edition of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is set to kick off next week on September 30 in Guwahati, with India and Sri Lanka co-hosting the tournament. This year’s World Cup promises to be a platform for record-chases, personal landmarks, and historic firsts, marking the end of the eight-team format as expansion is planned for future tournaments.
Batting Milestones to Watch
One of the most anticipated aspects of this World Cup is the potential for legendary records to be broken. Players like Suzie Bates, Harmanpreet Kaur, and Nat Sciver-Brunt are poised to achieve historic milestones in runs and centuries. Bates, with 1179 runs, is just 322 runs away from surpassing Debbie Hockley’s record of 1501 runs in the Women’s World Cup.
In terms of centuries, Bates and Sciver-Brunt currently share the record for the most World Cup centuries with four each, while Harmanpreet is close behind with three. Tazmin Brits of South Africa has scored three consecutive centuries in her last three innings, and could match the record of four centuries in a single World Cup match against England on October 3.
Bowling Milestones to Track
On the bowling front, players like Megan Schutt, Marizanne Kapp, and Ellyse Perry are closing in on Jhulan Goswami’s record of the most wickets in Women’s World Cup history. Schutt, with 34 wickets, Kapp with 32, and Perry with 31, are all within striking distance of the record.
India’s Deepti Sharma is also on the verge of surpassing Neetu David to become India’s second-highest wicket-taker in ODI history, behind only Goswami. Kapp and Perry are aiming to become the third-highest leading wicket-takers in the ODI format, with the potential to surpass Goswami and Shabnim Ismail.
Smriti Mandhana’s Record Pursuit
Smriti Mandhana, the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year for 2024, is on a record-breaking spree in 2025. With 13 ODI centuries to her name, she is tied for second place on the all-time list with Suzie Bates, trailing behind only Meg Lanning. Mandhana has matched the record for the most ODI hundreds in a calendar year in Women’s cricket with four centuries in 2025.
Mandhana is also closing in on the 5000-run mark in ODIs and has the opportunity to surpass Lanning’s record of 17 centuries in women’s internationals. With her dominant form at home, where she has scored six centuries in 2024 and 2025, Mandhana’s performance will be crucial for India in the upcoming World Cup.
The Smriti Mandhana – Pratika Rawal Opening Combination
Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have formed a formidable opening partnership, becoming the only pair to score over 1,000 runs in a calendar year in women’s ODIs. With three century stands in 2025, they are closing in on the record for the most century stands in a year. Their partnership will be key for India’s success in the World Cup.
High-Scoring World Cup on the Horizon
With overseas players familiar with Indian conditions and recent high-scoring series, the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup is expected to see record totals. The tournament promises numerous milestones, from career records to big totals and standout bowling performances. Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, the World Cup is set to provide a grand stage and a fitting finale for the eight-team format.
As the stage is set for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, all eyes will be on the players as they aim to etch their names in the record books and make history in this prestigious tournament.
Exciting Young Talent to Watch
While established players like Suzie Bates and Smriti Mandhana are expected to shine in the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, there are also exciting young talents to keep an eye on. Players like Shafali Verma from India, who burst onto the international scene with her aggressive batting style, and Amelia Kerr from New Zealand, who is known for her all-round skills, are poised to make significant contributions to their teams.
Verma, at just 21 years old, has already made a name for herself as a fearless opener who can take on the best bowlers in the world. Her ability to score quickly and put pressure on the opposition will be crucial for India’s chances in the tournament. Kerr, on the other hand, is a talented leg-spin bowler and a handy middle-order batsman who can turn the game around with her skills in both departments.
Impact of Spin Bowling in Subcontinent Conditions
With the Women’s Cricket World Cup being held in the subcontinent, spin bowling is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of matches. Teams like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, who have quality spinners in their ranks, will look to exploit the conditions and put pressure on the opposition with their slow bowlers.
Players like Poonam Yadav from India, who is known for her deceptive leg-spin variations, and Sune Luus from South Africa, a crafty off-spinner, will be key for their teams in controlling the middle overs and picking up crucial wickets. The battle between batsmen and spinners on turning tracks is sure to add an exciting dimension to the tournament.
Rise of Women’s Cricket Globally
The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup comes at a time when women’s cricket is experiencing unprecedented growth and popularity globally. More countries are investing in their women’s cricket programs, leading to increased competitiveness and higher standards of play in the international arena.
Countries like Thailand, who made their debut in the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2020, and Ireland, who have been steadily improving their performances, are examples of the growing interest and talent in women’s cricket. The expansion of the Women’s Cricket World Cup to include more teams in future editions is a testament to the rising stature of the women’s game.
Impact of Technology on the Game
Advancements in technology have had a significant impact on the way cricket is played and analyzed. From the use of Decision Review System (DRS) to real-time data analytics, teams now have access to a wealth of information that helps them make strategic decisions and improve player performance.
Players are now using wearable technology to track their fitness levels and performance metrics, allowing them to optimize their training routines and prevent injuries. Coaches are also using video analysis tools to dissect opposition strategies and fine-tune their game plans accordingly. The integration of technology has revolutionized the way cricket is played, making it more data-driven and precise.
Final Thoughts
As the cricketing world gears up for the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, fans can expect a thrilling tournament filled with record-breaking performances, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments. With a mix of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent on display, the stage is set for the best teams in the world to showcase their skills and compete for the ultimate prize in women’s cricket.
From batting milestones to bowling records, the 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup is poised to be a celebration of the sport and a testament to the growing stature of women’s cricket on the global stage. As the countdown to the opening match begins, anticipation and excitement are building for what promises to be a historic and memorable tournament.
