India vs Pakistan Headlines Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in Colombo

The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, hosted by India for the first time since 2013, promises thrilling cricket action starting September 30. The tournament’s marquee clash, India vs Pakistan, is scheduled for October 5 at the neutral R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, reflecting a BCCI-PCB hybrid agreement due to strained bilateral relations. Pakistan will play all their matches, including potential semi-finals and final, in Colombo, while India’s 2025 Champions Trophy games are set for Dubai.

Tournament Kickoff and Key Fixtures

The eight-team tournament, featuring India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, begins with India facing Sri Lanka at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on September 30. Defending champions Australia take on New Zealand in Indore on October 1, while Pakistan open against Bangladesh in Colombo on October 2. England’s campaign starts against South Africa in Bengaluru on October 3.

Other notable matches include:

• Australia vs England (Oct 22, Indore), a rematch of the 2022 final.
• India vs Bangladesh (Oct 26, Bengaluru), part of a double-header Sunday with England vs New Zealand (Guwahati).
• Pakistan’s Colombo fixtures: Australia (Oct 8), England (Oct 15), New Zealand (Oct 18), South Africa (Oct 21), and Sri Lanka (Oct 24).

Format and Knockouts

Following the 2022 format, each team plays the others in a round-robin stage, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. The first semi-final is on October 29 in Guwahati or Colombo (depending on Pakistan’s qualification), the second on October 30 in Bengaluru, and the final on November 2 in Bengaluru or Colombo. The tournament comprises 28 league games across Bengaluru, Indore, Guwahati, Visakhapatnam, and Colombo, culminating in three knockout matches.

Team Updates and Qualification

Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and hosts India qualified directly, while Pakistan and Bangladesh earned spots at the Lahore qualifiers, edging out West Indies on net run-rate. In a related note, Smriti Mandhana led India in a 2024 Women’s Asia Cup match against Nepal in Dambulla, with regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur rested, signaling India’s depth in leadership.

Matches are spread across five cities, with Bengaluru and Indore hosting key games, Visakhapatnam hosting three Bangladesh matches, and Guwahati featuring England’s fixtures. Pakistan’s Colombo schedule stems from geopolitical tensions, mirroring India’s neutral-venue arrangement for the Champions Trophy.

With intense rivalries like India vs Pakistan and Australia vs England, coupled with emerging talents from Bangladesh and South Africa, the 2025 World Cup is set to captivate fans.

Stay tuned for updates as the tournament approaches!

                                               

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