India Women vs England Women – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Match Preview

Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
Venue: Holkar Stadium, Indore
Start Time: 10:30 GMT / 03:00 PM IST

Match Overview

The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is reaching a thrilling phase, and the clash between India Women and England Women on October 19 is set to be a pivotal encounter. With both teams sitting in the upper half of the points table, this match could have major implications for their World Cup journey.

India, currently fourth with four points from four matches, have had a mixed start to the tournament. After a promising opening, they struggled in their next two games, highlighting the need for more consistency from their top order. England, on the other hand, are second with seven points from four games, thanks to a combination of luck and form. Their rain-affected draw against Pakistan was a crucial point, and they will look to solidify their position with a win here.

Team Form and Analysis

India Women

India's batting has been a cause for concern, particularly in their recent losses, where the top three have underperformed. Batsmen in the lower order have had to bail the team out more often than not, which has cost them against stronger opponents. However, their bowling unit has been a consistent force, with Sneh Rana and Deepti Sharma leading the charge with wickets.

Smriti Mandhana has been in fine form all year, and her recent performance against Australia suggests she is finding her rhythm. With Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues offering support in the middle, India will look to build a solid foundation from the top.

England Women

England have been in excellent form, with a blend of aggressive batting and tight bowling. Captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has been in sublime touch, particularly in World Cup history, and her leadership and batting have been vital. The spin trio of Sophie Ecclestone, Sarah Glenn, and Lauren Bell has been exceptional, and they will look to exploit the conditions in Indore.

The English middle order, led by Heather Knight and Tammy Beaumont, has been reliable, and their ability to accelerate in the death overs could be the difference on the day.

Players to Watch

India

• Smriti Mandhana: The opener's strike rate and consistency make her a key player for India. If she can get off to a solid start, it will set the tone for the innings.
• Sneh Rana: With her all-round abilities, Rana is a danger with both bat and ball. Her left-arm spin could trouble the English batters.
• Richa Ghosh: The wicketkeeper’s aggressive batting, especially in the middle overs, could be crucial in a high-scoring game.

England

• Nat Sciver-Brunt: The captain is on fire and has a proven track record in World Cup matches. Her aggressive batting and leadership will be vital.
• Sophie Ecclestone: The off-spinner is the most successful bowler in the tournament and will look to trouble India’s top order.
• Lauren Bell: The leg-spinner has been effective in the death overs and could be England's trump card in a tight chase.

Head-to-Head Record

In their last five encounters, India have dominated, winning four times and securing just one loss. A recent victory in England in July 2025 will give the Indian side confidence. However, England will be eager to avenge that defeat and make a statement in a high-stakes World Cup match.

Venue Insights – Holkar Stadium, Indore

Holkar Stadium has been a neutral and high-scoring venue in recent years, with an average first-innings score of 278.5. Spinners have performed better than fast bowlers, with an average of 28.57 and an economy of 5.62. The pitch has a tendency to assist spin, especially in the middle and death overs, which could favor England's spin-heavy attack.

Squads

India Women:
Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Uma Chetry (wk), Richa Ghosh (wk), Harleen Deol, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Pratika Rawal, Amajot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Deepti Sharma, Kranti Goud, Arundhati Reddy, Renuka Singh, Shree Charani, Radha Yadav.

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

Match Predictions

• Toss Winner: India
• Match Winner: England
• Top Batter (Runs): Smriti Mandhana (India), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): Sneh Rana (India), Sophie Ecclestone (England)
• Most Sixes: Smriti Mandhana (India), Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
• Player of the Match: Nat Sciver-Brunt (England)
• Team Scores (Batting First): India 280+, England 280+

Final Verdict

This is a must-win game for both teams, and with the venue favoring spin, England’s depth in that department could give them the edge. However, India’s experience at this venue and form from their key players could make for a close contest. Expect fireworks from both sides in what promises to be an exciting encounter in the heart of India.
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