A new chapter in women’s cricket history is set to unfold as India hosts the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, starting September 30, with the opening match between India and Sri Lanka at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
This is the first time since 2013 that India will host the women’s 50-over World Cup, and with eight of the world’s top teams in the fray, the stage is set for a spectacle of epic proportions.
The tournament kicks off with India vs Sri Lanka, but all eyes will be on the blockbuster India-Pakistan clash, scheduled for October 5 at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium—a neutral venue as part of a hybrid hosting agreement between BCCI and PCB. In fact, all of Pakistan’s matches will be held in Colombo.
Another marquee match is on October 22, when defending champions Australia face arch-rivals England at Holkar Stadium in Indore, a rematch of the 2022 final. With both teams known for their aggressive, modern-day cricket, this promises to be one of the tournament’s most intense battles.
The tournament follows a round-robin format, ensuring each team plays the other once. The top four teams will advance to the semi-finals, which are scheduled for October 29 and 30, followed by the grand finale on November 2.
The venue for Semi-final 1—either Guwahati or Colombo—depends on Pakistan’s qualification to maintain neutrality, while Semi-final 2 is fixed in Bengaluru. The final will also be hosted in Bengaluru or Colombo, depending on team progression.
Australia, the most successful team in Women’s World Cup history, begin their title defense on October 1 against trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand in Indore. Led by a strong core of veterans and rising stars, Australia will look to replicate their dominance from 2022.
India, on the other hand, are chasing their maiden World Cup title, having reached the final twice in the past (2005 and 2017). With the home crowd behind them and a blend of experienced heads and exciting youth, India’s campaign holds immense promise.
Matches will be hosted across five Indian cities—Bengaluru, Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam (Vizag), and Colombo in Sri Lanka. These diverse venues are expected to showcase packed stands and lively atmospheres, enhancing the spectacle of women’s cricket.
ICC Chairman Jay Shah expressed confidence in the tournament’s scale and excitement: “With the eight best teams descending on India, alongside incredible venues and what promises to be record-breaking crowds, we are all looking forward to an unforgettable tournament.”
The group stage will conclude with a double-header on October 26—England vs New Zealand in Guwahati at 11 am, followed by India vs Bangladesh in Bengaluru at 3 pm. The outcomes of these matches could shape the semi-final line-ups and set the tone for the knockouts.
ICC Women’s ODI World Cup schedule
September 30: India v Sri Lanka – Bengaluru – 3pm
October 1: Australia v New Zealand – Indore – 3pm
October 2: Bangladesh v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 3: England v South Africa – Bengaluru – 3pm
October 4: Australia v Sri Lanka – Colombo – 3pm
October 5: India v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 6: New Zealand v South Africa – Indore – 3pm
October 7: England v Bangladesh – Guwahati – 3pm
October 8: Australia v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 9: India v South Africa – Vizag – 3pm
October 10: New Zealand v Bangladesh – Vizag – 3pm
October 11: England v Sri Lanka – Guwahati – 3pm
October 12: India v Australia – Vizag – 3pm
October 13: South Africa v Bangladesh – Vizag – 3pm
October 14: New Zealand v Sri Lanka – Colombo – 3pm
October 15: England v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 16: Australia v Bangladesh – Vizag – 3pm
October 17: South Africa v Sri Lanka – Colombo – 3pm
October 18: New Zealand v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 19: India v England – Indore – 3pm
October 20: Sri Lanka v Bangladesh – Colombo – 3pm
October 21: South Africa v Pakistan – Colombo – 3pm
October 22: Australia v England – Indore – 3pm
October 23: India v New Zealand – Guwahati – 3pm
October 24: Pakistan v Sri Lanka – Colombo – 3pm
October 25: Australia v Sri Lanka – Indore – 3pm
October 26: England v New Zealand – Guwahati – 11am
October 26: India v Bangladesh – Bengaluru – 3pm
October 29: Semi-final 1 – Guwahati/Colombo – 3pm
October 30: Semi-final 2 – Bengaluru – 3pm
November 2: Final – Colombo/Bengaluru – 3pm
