The ODI Women`s World Cup 2025 is all set to kick start with the first match being played between Team India and Sri Lanka.
The opening match of the ODI World Cup 2025 is scheduled to be played between India and Sri Lanka on September 30 at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati.
Speaking about the preparations, Team India skipper Harmanpreet Kaur has stated that her side is well-balanced with the mix of youth and experience.
“There is a healthy mix of youth and experience in our World Cup squad across all the departments. There is plenty of batting talent around the group with Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harleen Deol, Pratika Rawal, Richa Ghosh and Uma Chetry in the mix,” she said.
The skipper also expressed confidence in her bowling unit and said that her team has all-rounders who can change the course of the game at any point in time.
“The bowling unit is equally impressive, with Renuka Thakur and Arundhati Reddy accompanying the young and promising Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani and Radha Yadav. Add to this, the three all-rounders in the form of Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Amanjot Kaur who can turn the tide of the game in India`s favour,” added Kaur.
After concluding with its first match, the “Women in Blue” will lock horns against their arch-rivals, Pakistan on October 5. The match is scheduled to be played at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
She also said that with dedication and focused preparations, her team is hungry to taste success in the upcoming global showpiece.
“With a well-balanced squad, a dedicated and focused preparation leading into the tournament and a team which is hungry and determined to succeed, we are entering the ICC Women`s Cricket World Cup with positivity and belief,” said the 36-year-old cricketer.
India`s squad for ODI Women`s World Cup 2025: Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud. Reserves: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare.
(With PTI Inputs)