Category Archives: women’s sports

ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Decoding India’s strongest XI

**ICC Women’s World Cup 2025: Decoding India’s Strongest XI**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 28, 2025, 01:58 pm*

As co-hosts of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India enter the tournament as one of the favorites. The competition is set to begin on September 30, with Harmanpreet Kaur leading the team for the first time in a Women’s World Cup. Smriti Mandhana, the star opener, will serve as her deputy. India’s squad features a balanced mix of seasoned players and emerging talent, creating a well-rounded unit ready to compete at the highest level.

### Top Order Batters: Mandhana, Rawal, Deol
India’s top order looks solid with Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, and Harleen Deol occupying the first three batting slots. Mandhana has been a consistent performer, scoring the most WODI runs since the 2022 tournament in New Zealand where India finished fifth. Young sensation Pratika Rawal has impressed with 802 WODI runs at an impressive average of 50.12. Meanwhile, Harleen Deol has been in excellent form recently, adding valuable runs at a crucial time.

### Strong Middle Order
The middle order boasts experienced campaigners like captain Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and wicket-keeper Richa Ghosh. Harmanpreet, Deepti, and Jemimah have maintained averages above 38 while striking at over 100 in WODIs this year. Deepti Sharma has particularly shone in 2025, amassing runs at a remarkable average of 76.20. Richa Ghosh has excelled in the finisher’s role with an aggressive strike rate of 130.26, making her a key player down the order.

### The Bowling Attack
Sneh Rana adds depth to the lower order with her valuable batting and reliable off-spin. Her ability to contribute crucial runs and tight bowling makes her an asset in pressure situations. Alongside Rana and Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav is expected to be the second spinner, which suits the slow pitches of India and Sri Lanka. The pace attack will be led by the return of Renuka Singh Thakur, providing a significant boost to the team. Emerging pacer Kranti Goud, who has been a revelation, is likely to complete the bowling lineup.

### Final Playing XI for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
– Smriti Mandhana
– Pratika Rawal
– Harleen Deol
– Harmanpreet Kaur (captain)
– Jemimah Rodrigues
– Deepti Sharma
– Richa Ghosh (wicket-keeper)
– Sneh Rana
– Renuka Singh Thakur
– Kranti Goud
– Radha Yadav

This squad represents a perfect blend of experience and youth, combining solid batting depth with versatile bowling options. As hosts, India will aim to leverage their home conditions and the balanced team composition to make a strong push for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 title.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/india-s-probable-xi-in-2025-women-s-world-cup/story

Suryakumar backs Jemimah to shine in Women’s World Cup

**Suryakumar Backs Jemimah Rodrigues to Shine in Women’s World Cup 2025**

*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 27, 2025, 03:44 PM*

India’s men’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has expressed strong confidence in Jemimah Rodrigues ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025. This tournament marks Jemimah’s first-ever World Cup appearance since her ODI debut in 2018. She is set to play her maiden World Cup match against Sri Lanka on September 30 at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium.

**Praise for Jemimah’s Resilience**

Jemimah recently recovered from a viral fever that sidelined her for two games in a three-match ODI series against Australia. Despite this setback, Suryakumar praised her resilience and positive attitude. Speaking in a video uploaded on BCCI Women X, he said, “I think for Jemi, the best way to describe her is ‘chhota packet, bada dhamaka’,” highlighting her impactful presence despite her small stature.

He added that Jemimah always stays calm and keeps a smile on her face even in tough situations, demonstrating admirable mental strength.

**Confidence Ahead of the World Cup**

Suryakumar expressed faith in Jemimah’s ability to deliver strong performances on the biggest stage. “Playing in the World Cup is a great opportunity, and I’m confident she’ll deliver,” he said.

The 35-year-old also complimented Jemimah’s energy, calling it “amazing” and “infectious,” which he believes boosts the morale of the entire team.

**Learning from Jemimah’s Composure Under Pressure**

Highlighting Jemimah’s performances in high-pressure matches, Suryakumar shared that the Indian men’s team draws inspiration from her. “We also get to learn a lot from her in big, high-pressure games,” he remarked.

He added that her ability to perform under pressure is something the team aspires to emulate. Advising Jemimah, he encouraged her to keep doing what she has been doing and to enjoy every moment on the field.

**Strong World Cup Preparations**

Jemimah has made a promising start to her World Cup preparations, scoring 66 runs off 68 balls, including eight fours, in a warm-up match against England held on September 27 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar himself is facing challenges with the bat in the ongoing Asia Cup, having scored 71 runs across five innings, averaging 23.66 with a strike rate of 107.57.

*Watch the full video with Suryakumar’s comments on BCCI Women X and stay tuned for more updates on the Women’s World Cup 2025.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/suryakumar-backs-jemimah-to-fire-in-women-s-world-cup/story

Presenting batters with most centuries in WODI history

**Presenting Batters with the Most Centuries in WODI History**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025, 02:20 PM*

Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has etched her name into the record books by scoring the second-fastest century in Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs). She achieved this remarkable feat in just 50 balls during the third match against Australia at Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Mandhana’s explosive innings of 125 runs off 63 balls was a standout performance, even though India (369/10) fell short while chasing a daunting 413-run target.

This century marked Mandhana’s 13th hundred in WODIs, placing her among the elite batters in the format. Let’s take a closer look at the batters with the most centuries in WODI history.

### Smriti Mandhana – 13 Centuries

Mandhana’s blistering 125 in the recent game was her 13th century in WODI cricket. Alongside her centuries, she has also registered 32 half-centuries. In 108 matches, Mandhana has amassed 4,888 runs at an impressive average of 47.92.

The elegant southpaw’s highest score remains 136 off 120 balls against South Africa in Bengaluru last year. Remarkably, all her 13 centuries have come while opening the innings—a testament to her consistency and skill in the crucial opener’s role. No other batter has scored as many centuries from this position.

### Suzie Bates – 13 Centuries

With her recent century, Mandhana has equaled New Zealand’s Suzie Bates, who also boasts 13 WODI centuries. Bates achieved her tons against seven different international teams, underlining her versatility.

Over 171 matches representing the White Ferns, Bates has compiled 5,896 runs at an average of 39.83, including 37 fifties. She holds a personal best score of 168 and ranks third on the list of highest run-scorers in WODI cricket history.

### Meg Lanning – 15 Centuries

Leading the pack is former Australian captain Meg Lanning with an impressive tally of 15 centuries in WODIs. She reached this milestone in only 103 matches, underlining her dominance at the crease.

Lanning scored 4,602 runs at an outstanding average of 53.51, complemented by 21 half-centuries. She announced her retirement before turning 31, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. Her highest WODI score is an unbeaten 152.

Smriti Mandhana’s recent milestone highlights her growing stature among the greats of women’s cricket, as she continues to chase down records and set new benchmarks in WODI history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/most-centuries-in-women-s-odis/story

3rd WODI, Beth Mooney slams career-best 138 versus India: Stats

By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 20, 2025, 05:39 PM

**Beth Mooney’s Majestic 138 Powers Australia in 3rd ODI Against India**

Australia women’s cricket team batter Beth Mooney delivered a sublime performance, smashing a magnificent 138-run knock against India in the 3rd and final ODI at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.

Mooney walked to the crease when Australia were 150/2 in the 22nd over. She immediately took charge and shared crucial partnerships throughout her innings—a 106-run stand with Ellyse Perry, 82 with Ashleigh Gardner, and an additional 40 runs with Tahlia McGrath. Australia posted a formidable total of 379/6 when Mooney’s innings came to an end.

### Mooney Powers Australia with a Blazing Hundred

The quality of Mooney’s 138-run innings was outstanding. She reached her century in just 57 balls during the 38th over, showcasing aggressive intent and maintaining the momentum provided by Australia’s top order. Throughout her innings, Mooney remained unflappable, expertly maneuvering the ball and putting the Indian bowlers under constant pressure.

Unfortunately, her innings was cut short by a run-out in the 45th over, shortly after the dismissal of McGrath.

### Did You Know?
**Joint-2nd Fastest Hundred in Women’s ODIs**
Beth Mooney’s 57-ball century equals the joint-2nd fastest century in Women’s ODIs. She matched former Aussie star Karen Rolton, who also reached 100 in 57 balls against South Africa in 2000. The record for the fastest ton is held by Meg Lanning, who scored her century in just 45 balls against New Zealand in 2012.

### Stats That Impress

– Mooney’s 138 came off 75 balls.
– She struck 23 fours and 1 six during her innings.
– Playing her 85th WODI (78 innings), Mooney has now amassed 2,786 runs at an impressive average of 49.75.
– This innings was her 4th WODI century, in addition to 19 half-centuries.

Against India specifically, Mooney has been in splendid form. According to ESPNcricinfo, she has scored 698 runs in 18 matches (16 innings) at an average of 58.16, including two centuries and four fifties.

### More Milestones

– This was Mooney’s 9th fifty-plus score in away WODI matches (away from her home ground). In 36 away matches (33 innings), she has accumulated 1,212 runs at an average of 44.88, including 2 centuries and 7 fifties.

### Records Broken

**Highest Individual Score for Australia Against India**
According to ESPNcricinfo, Mooney’s 138 is now the highest individual score by an Australian batter against India in Women’s ODIs. She surpassed the previous best of 133 runs set by Alyssa Healy in 2018.

Beth Mooney’s scintillating innings not only set up a commanding total for Australia but also cemented her place among the elite batters in women’s cricket history.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/beth-mooney-slams-hundred-versus-india-in-3rd-women-s-odi/story

India Women vs Australia Women, 3rd ODI: Preview and stats

**India Women vs Australia Women, 3rd ODI: Preview and Stats**

*By Rajdeep Saha | Sep 19, 2025, 02:20 pm IST*

The third and final ODI match between India Women (IND-W) and Australia Women (AUS-W) is set to take place at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Saturday, September 23. The match will begin at 1:30 pm IST, with the toss scheduled half an hour earlier.

Led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team will be aiming to seal the series after their convincing 102-run victory in the second Women’s ODI.

### Series Overview: India Seeks Victory as Australia Looks to Bounce Back

Following their dominant performance in the second encounter, India will rely heavily on the form of opener Smriti Mandhana to continue their success against Australia. On the other hand, Australia, captained by Alyssa Healy, will be eager to bounce back in the final ODI.

Australia’s squad features some key players including Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, and Ashleigh Gardner. They will look to replicate their strong performance from the first ODI in Mullanpur, where they comprehensively defeated India.

### Predicted Teams

**India Women:**
Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Renuka Singh Thakur / Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Goud, Sree Charani.

**Australia Women:**
Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.

### Head-to-Head Record

According to ESPNcricinfo, India and Australia have met 58 times in Women’s ODIs. Australia holds a dominant record with 47 wins compared to India’s 11. When playing in India, the teams have faced each other 26 times, with Australia winning 21 matches and India 5.

### Player Focus: Key Stats

– **Smriti Mandhana (India)**
In 107 WODIs, Mandhana has scored 4,763 runs at an average of 47.15, including 12 centuries and 32 half-centuries.

– **Ellyse Perry (Australia)**
Perry has amassed 4,261 runs in WODIs at an average of 48.97, with 3 centuries and 35 fifties. As an all-rounder, she also boasts 166 wickets in WODIs at an average of 25.56.

– **Megan Schutt (Australia)** and **Deepti Sharma (India)** both have an impressive haul of 138 wickets each in their WODI careers.

### Broadcast Information

Fans in India can watch the third India vs Australia Women’s ODI live on the Star Sports Network. The match will also be available for live streaming on the JioCinema app and website.

Don’t miss the action as the game kicks off at 1:30 pm IST on September 23.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting finale to this ODI series!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/indw-vs-ausw-2nd-odi-preview-and-stats/story