India Women vs Australia Women ODI Series 2025: Preview, Key Battles, and World Cup Build-Up

Match Overview

Date: Sunday, 14 September 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT (14:30 IST)
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Series: 3-match ODI series
Competition: Australia Women's tour of India 2025
Live Stream: Fancode App
Scorecard: INW vs AUW Live Score

Series Context and Significance

The India Women and Australia Women meet in the first of a three-match ODI series on Sunday, 14 September 2025. This encounter marks a crucial part of both teams' preparations for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, with the series serving as an intense yet competitive platform to test squad depth and strategy.

Historically, the rivalry has been closely contested, with Australia Women holding a slight edge in recent encounters. However, India Women have shown immense character, particularly in the 2024 series where they secured a notable victory. With both teams eager to fine-tune their approaches ahead of a major tournament, this series promises to be a high-stakes affair.

Head-to-Head Record

The record shows a fiercely contested rivalry, with Australia holding a 6-4 edge in the last 10 matches.

Team Previews

India Women

Recent Form:
India Women have been in solid form, having defeated England Women in a recent clash. Their strength lies in their middle-order batting and a balanced bowling attack.

Key Players:

• Smriti Mandhana – The opening batter has been in excellent form and is expected to lead the charge.
• Harmanpreet Kaur (C) – The captain brings experience and leadership, especially in high-pressure situations.
• Kranti Goud – A rising star in the bowling department, Goud has been instrumental in tight matches.

Probable Playing XI:
Richa Ghosh (WK), Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Pratika Rawal, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Renuka Thakur

Australia Women

Recent Form:
Australia Women dominated their recent clash against England, winning by 86 runs. They are the top-ranked ODI team and have the depth and firepower to overwhelm opponents.

Key Players:

• Alyssa Healy (C) – The wicketkeeper-batter is aggressive and sets the tone early.
• Ashleigh Gardner – A versatile all-rounder, Gardner can break partnerships with her medium-fast pace.
• Alana King – The leg-spinner is a key bowler in the death overs.

Probable Playing XI:
Alyssa Healy (C), Beth Mooney (WK), Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Grace Harris, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt

Pitch and Weather Conditions

• Pitch: The pitch at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium is generally good for batting, offering true bounce and pace.
• Weather: The forecast suggests favorable conditions with no threat of rain or extreme weather.

Key Battles to Watch

1. Smriti Mandhana vs. Megan Schutt
   Mandhana’s aggressive start will be tested by Schutt’s accuracy and ability to extract movement.

2. Alyssa Healy vs. Renuka Thakur
   Healy’s ability to rotate the strike and score quickly will face a challenge against Thakur’s disciplined off-spin.

3. Kranti Goud vs. Phoebe Litchfield
   Goud will look to exploit the middle overs, while Litchfield’s composed strokeplay could frustrate the Indian bowlers.

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices for Fantasy

• Captain: Ashleigh Gardner
• Vice-Captain: Kranti Goud
• Other Options: Smriti Mandhana, Annabel Sutherland

Conclusion

This first ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world’s top teams. India Women will be eager to avenge their previous losses, while Australia Women will look to assert their dominance. With the World Cup on the horizon, every run and wicket will be crucial. Fans can expect a high-quality match with intense battles and moments of brilliance from both sides.

Prediction: Australia Women to win by a narrow margin, but India Women are capable of pulling off an upset.
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