India Women vs Australia Women – 2nd ODI Preview (17 September 2025)

Date: 17 September 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT / 14:30 IST
Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Series: Australia Women's Tour of India 2025
Match Format: 50-over One Day International (ODI)

Match Context

As the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup approaches, the upcoming ODI series between India Women and Australia Women takes on added significance. The second match of the three-match series, scheduled for 17 September 2025, will be played at the iconic M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai — a venue known for its fast-paced and unpredictable conditions.

This series is a key preparatory step for both teams as they gear up for the global event, with each team looking to fine-tune their strategies and gain an edge.

Team Form & Preparation

India Women

India enter the series on a high after winning the Women’s ODI Tri-Series in May 2025, where they defeated South Africa and Sri Lanka. Star opener Smriti Mandhana has been in brilliant form, scoring a century in the final match of that series, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed.

Chennai's batting-friendly conditions will suit India’s aggressive middle order, with Harmanpreet Kaur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Renuka Thiranagama expected to play key roles. The pace battery, led by Shikha Pandey and Radha Yadav, has also been in good rhythm, particularly in tight conditions.

Australia Women

Australia, on the other hand, arrive in India after a dominant 3-0 Ashes sweep over England in January 2025, reaffirming their status as the world's top-ranked ODI team. With players like Meg Lanning, Elyse Villani, and Megan Schutt, Australia possess a blend of experience, power, and precision.

The challenge for the Aussies will be adapting to the subcontinental conditions, which often favor spin and demand adaptability in the middle overs. The form of key players like Sophie Molineux and Tahlia McGrath will be crucial in determining their chances of a win.

Head-to-Head & Recent Encounters

The recent history between the two teams has been closely contested, with both sides showing their mettle on various occasions. The last three matches in early 2024 saw a seesaw battle, with Australia winning one and India taking one, while one match was abandoned or resulted in a no-result.

The upcoming match in Chennai is expected to be another thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to gain momentum in the series.

Venue & Pitch Report

The M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is traditionally a batting-friendly venue. The pitch tends to offer good carry and bounce, with the outfield aiding the fielding side in the early stages. Spin will likely come into play as the match progresses, making it a well-balanced surface suitable for both batting and bowling.

Key Players to Watch

• Smriti Mandhana (India): The opening batter will be crucial in setting the tempo for India. Her ability to score quickly can put early pressure on the Australian bowlers.

• Harmanpreet Kaur (India): The experienced all-rounder is expected to play a big role with both bat and ball, especially in the middle overs.

• Meg Lanning (Australia): The captain’s leadership and technical prowess will be vital for Australia, especially in tight situations.

• Elyse Villani (Australia): A reliable all-rounder who can change the game with her batting and left-arm spin.

Prediction

This match is expected to be a closely contested affair, with both teams aiming to gain an early advantage in the series. Australia's superior depth and experience might give them a slight edge, but India's home advantage and recent form cannot be overlooked.

Prediction: A close contest, with Australia Women emerging as slight favorites.

Conclusion

The second ODI between India Women and Australia Women promises to be a thrilling encounter, blending competitive cricket with the high stakes of World Cup preparation. With the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium hosting the match, fans can expect a vibrant atmosphere and a compelling clash between two of the world's best teams.

Date: 17 September 2025
Time: 09:00 GMT
Venue: M. A. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
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