India, on October 19, suffered a huge blow in their semifinal qualification chances as they faced a four-run defeat against England in a close encounter at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. From here on, their campaign will enter the do-or-die situation as they will need to win their remaining two fixtures against New Zealand and Bangladesh. They will be through as the fourth side behind Australia, England, and South Africa.

The Blue Brigade started the competition with a 59-run victory in DLS method against Sri Lanka in Guwahati during the curtain raiser. They flew to the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo for the second encounter against Pakistan and collected an 88-run win. But they experienced their first defeat of the tournament by three wickets against the Proteas.

See Also: [WATCH] "10 Kgs down..."- Abhishek Nayar reveals Rohit Sharma's fitness to prepare for AUS vs IND 2025 ODI series

When India posted over 330 runs in the first innings during their clash against Australia in Vizag, many expected them to give a fight to the Alysa Healy-led side. But it wasn’t the case at all. They shouldered themselves to the three-wicket win with the century of their captain. Even against England, India couldn’t get themselves over the line and fell short by four runs.

Explained: How India can qualify for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal

 India are currently at the fourth position in the points table. They are just ahead of New Zealand who have played the same umber of games and are on four points as well with the women brigade just edging the White Ferns by net run-rate.

If India lose to the New Zealand side in their next match on October 23, they are still be able to qualify if they win their last match against Bangladesh and the Kiwis lose their final league stage match against England. In case the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side win against New Zealand and lose against Bangladesh, they will need the Nat Sciver Brunt-led side win against New Zealand.

In their previous fixture, England posted 288/8 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to the century from Heather Knight. India fell short of the target by four runs, despite being ahead in the chase.

Star left-handed batter and Indian women’s cricket team vice-captain Smriti Mandhana is all set to marry Indian music composer Palash Muchhal. The news was confirmed by Palash himself recently in Indore.

Smriti, who is playing for India in the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, is currently in Indore. On Sunday (October 19), she will play against England at the city’s Holkar Stadium.

Before the big match against the Nat Sciver-Brunt-led England team, Palash confirmed his marriage with Smriti. During an event at the State Press Club in Indore on Friday, he was asked about his bond with Smriti. He smiled and said, “She will soon become the daughter-in-law of Indore… that’s all I want to say.” In the past, the two have shared pictures together many times, but they never confirmed their relationship publicly.

Also Read -[WATCH] 176.5 kph delivery!! Did Mitchell Starc bowl fastest ball to Rohit Sharma during AUS vs IND 1st ODI?

Must-Win Match for India

India will face England in their fifth league match of the ongoing ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 on Sunday, October 19, in Indore. The match is a must-win for India because if the Harmanpreet Kaur-led team fails to beat England, their chances of reaching the semifinals will drop sharply.

At present, India are fourth in the points table with 4 points from four matches. New Zealand also have 4 points but are placed fifth due to a lower net run rate (NRR).

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Smriti Mandhana (@smriti_mandhana)

India’s Semifinal Hopes on the Line

Two teams — Australia and South Africa — have already qualified for the semifinals. If England win against India in Indore, the Nat Sciver-Brunt-led side will also seal a spot in the top four.

India come into this match after suffering back-to-back losses against South Africa and Australia, both by 3 wickets in Visakhapatnam. Meanwhile, England’s last match against Pakistan in Colombo on October 15 ended in a draw.

India’s campaign in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at home has taken a thump after two successive defeats against South Africa and Australia as they prepare themselves for another tough encounter against England next Sunday. If they face one more defeat from hereon, then they could find themselves in a position of not qualifying for the semifinal.

Ahead of the game, the women’s cricket team visited Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple on October 15 to seek blessings. India's players participated in the early morning Bhasma Aarti and spent time offering prayers in the Nandi Hill. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led side is in the fourth position with two wins at a net run rate of +0.682. They now need at least two wins in the last three games to remain in contention for the next stage.

See Also: "Has to be something for..."- Gautam Gambhir reacts to Delhi surface despite 7-wicket victory in IND vs WI 2nd Test

After their game against England at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, India will fly to the Dr. D. Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai for their two back-to-back clashes against New Zealand on October 23 and Bangladesh on October 267. Their focus will now be to get a better-balanced team in the field.

Watch: India’s women’s cricket team take blessings in Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple during World Cup 2025

India played the curtain raiser of the event against Sri Lanka at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Jharkhand. They posted 269/8 in the first innings thanks to the twin half-centuries from Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur. With the ball, Deepti picked up three wickets to bundle out the opposition for 211 runs to claim the victory by 59 runs.

Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh: Ahead of their World Cup match against England, the Indian women’s cricket team visited Ujjain’s Mahakaleshwar Temple, seeking Lord Shiva’s blessings pic.twitter.com/ciyohzyyxl

— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2025

At the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, the Blur Brigade struggled to push their way to 247 in the first innings, thanks to most batters getting a start with the bat. In the bowling department, Kranti Gaud and Deepti shared six wickets between them to record the 88-run victory.

However, their issue was with the ball against the Proteas and Aussies. In the last game, they put 330 runs in the first innings and still never looked to be in a positive place as the opposition side chased down the target comfortably by three wickets with six balls to spare.

India didn’t enjoy a superb campaign in the Women’s World Cup 2025 but were lucky to earn victories against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. However, they slipped in their third encounter of the event against the South Africa side due to the poor show from their top order in the batting department. The majority of their work gets left to the lower order.

However, there was a change for their fourth fixture against Australia at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal provided them a solid start with the bat, thanks to the 155-run opening stand as both recorded their respective half-centuries to offer a strong platform with the bat.

See Also: Virat Kohli to leave RCB ahead of IPL 2026? Veteran's latest move sparks speculation

On the last ball of the 29th over, an interesting incident took place in the middle. Annabel Sutherland used his fingers to vary the pace of the ball at Pratika Rawal, who swept the ball on her knees but couldn’t get a connection on the ball. That was also the case with the wicket-keeper. Alyssa Healy, who failed to grab the ball with her gloves.

Watch: Alyssa Healy’s mistake gives India five penalty runs during IND-W vs AUS-W Women's World Cup 2025 clash

The ball went under Healy and hit the wicket-keeper’s helmet before rolling towards the boundary. That provided the Indian side a penalty of five runs as the ICC rule suggests. That’s a reason why sometimes the keepers send their helmets back to the dressing room when they keep wickets against the pacers.

 

 

 

 

 

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After Harmanpreet and Rawal’s respective half-centuries, India struggled a little in the middle order. Harleen Deol ended with 38 runs in 42 balls, while their captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, smashed 22 runs in 17 balls with the help of three boundaries.

However, they got the acceleration at the right time from Jamimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh. They put up a partnership of over 50 runs in less than five overs, which put enormous pressure on Healy and her team. India inched close to the 300-run mark and aimed to get near 350 to post a challenge to the opposition on a flat batting surface.

Smriti Mandhana didn’t get the same expected results in the Women’s World Cup 2025 at home as he would have anticipated with three low scores against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and South Africa. The pressure was on the veteran opening batter to put a decent score at the top order, making it easy for the lower order to finish well, which they had done pretty well in the last few encounters.

But Mandhana came with full confidence after her four successive 50+ scores against Australia, whom they faced at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Winning the toss, the opponents decided to put the home side in. Alyssa Healy perhaps didn’t expect to be smashed for a 155-run opening partnership between India's Mandhana and Pratika Rawal.

See Also: [WATCH] Washington Sundar’s dream ball break Alick Athanaze’s defense during IND vs WI 2nd Test

During the knock, Smriti became the very first batter in women’s cricket to smash 1000+ runs in the ODI format in a calendar year. She overtook the previous record of 970 runs in 1997 by Australia’s Belinda Clark. The Proteas’ captain and opener, Laura Wolvaardt, also went close to 882 runs in 2022.

Watch: Smriti Mandhana becomes first woman batter to celebrate 1000+ runs in a calendar year

Mandhana and Rawal also celebrated their fourth opening stand of 100 runs in a calendar year. This is the joint second most after Belinda Cleark and Lisa Keightley in 2000. They have also notched up an overall six 100+ run stands for any wicket in 21 innings, which is the second most for the Indian side after Mithali Raj and Punam Raut’s seven such scores in 34 innings.

Smriti Mandhana in full flow 🚀

She becomes the first women's cricketer to cross 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ ODI runs in a calendar year 👏

Watch #INDvAUS LIVE in your region, #CWC25 broadcast details here ➡️ https://t.co/MNSEqhJP29 pic.twitter.com/vI5wD0zY8g

— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 12, 2025

With a huge six over the mid-off region against Kim Garth, Mandhana completed her 5000 runs in the ODI format, which is the quickest and youngest in history. She went past Stafanie Taylor in this record, who completed it in 17 more innings than the left-handed Indian batter.

Finally, she got dismissed for 80 runs in 66 balls with the help of nine boundaries and three sixes to end the 155-run stand. Mandhana has now smashed two fifties and three centuries against this opponent in the last five innings of the 50-over format.

The former Indian captain, Mithali Raj, will get a stand named after her at the ACA-VDCA stadium in Visakhapatnam on October 12, along with the Indian and Andhra Pradesh wicket-keeper batter, Ravi Kalpana, will also have a stand named after her name on that day. It’s the day when the Blue Brigade will face Australia in the ODI World Cup clash.

Mithali Raj is the leading run-getter in the history of the Women’s ODIs. The Indian batter smashed 7805 runs at an average of 50.68 and a strike rate of 66.19 with the help of 64 fifties and seven centuries at the best score of unbeaten 125 runs. The Rajasthan-born also cracked 2364 runs in the shortest format with 17 fifties.

See Also: 'Can't judge form or fitness of...'- Former selector makes stunning claim on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli's selection for Australia ODIs

“The ACA’s tribute to Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana reflects a deep commitment to honoring the trailblazers who have redefined women’s cricket in India while inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.” The Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) expressed in a statement.

Mithali Raj and Raavi Kalpana to have stands named after them at ACA-VDCA stadium

In the past, there were stands named after only men’s cricketers, despite the incredible contribution of the women’s players in the game. The current vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana, requested during a fireside chat with the minister, Nara Lokesh, at a ‘Breaking Boundaries’ event in August this year.

“Smriti Mandhana’s thoughtful suggestion captured a wider public sentiment. Translating that idea into immediate action reflects our collective commitment to gender parity and to acknowledging the trailblazers of women’s cricket.” Lokesh expressed.

In November last year, Raj was selected as the mentor of Andhra’s women’s cricket team, with her primary responsibilities including nurturing and scouting the young talents across the state. Kalpana, on the other hand, represented the national side in seven ODIs between 2015 and 2016, with her last game coming against Sri Lanka at Ranchi nearly a decade ago.

India women earned a vital 88-run victory during their second IND-W vs PAK-W league stage clash during the Women’s World Cup 2025 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Batting first, they made 247 runs in 50 overs, with none of the batters being able to cross the 50-run mark, as Richa Ghosh played a vital knock of 35 runs.

Sana Mir, the former leg spinner of the side, analyzes the performance of Pakistan, who were bundled out for 159 runs in the second innings. Sidra Amin made 81 runs at a strike rate of 76 with nine fours and one six as they couldn’t get another batter over 40 runs individually.

See Also: [WATCH] 'Heads' turned into 'Tails?' Controversy boils over fixed toss during IND-W vs PAK-W clash of ICC Women's World Cup 2025

“Whenever there is a 50-over game, the difference in the teams’ quality gets widened. There are lots of changes in the structures of the two sides. Players can overcome the skill to some extent. It was a great performance with the ball from Pakistan to bundle out India, which meant there were improvements in various situations of the game. The way they batted was also decent.” Sana Mir expressed this during a recently posted video on social media.

Watch: Sana Mir dissects Muneeba Ali’s run-out from IND-W vs PAK-W Women’s World Cup 2025 clash

One of the biggest controversies of the game was Muneeba Ali’s run-out on two runs. She put the bat at the crease, and by the time he lifted the blade, the ball crashed into the stumps as the umpire ruled her out.

Let’s review Pak vs India match on episode 2 of Sana Says on myco.

Understanding the ruling for Muneeba Ali runout yesterday and more.

Stream all the ICC Women’s World Cup matches on myco!!#sanamir #myco #icc #cricket #analysis #pakistan #india #sanasaysonmyco @myco_io pic.twitter.com/6xWvC71DaY

— Sana Mir ثناء میر (@mir_sana05) October 6, 2025

“With the bat, our openers couldn’t perform well. They were not good at all in the field. This isn’t about the skill or talent, but it’s about the performance as a team. Let’s take a look at the run-out of Muneeba. There were lots of controversies. The rule has changed from the past, where the batter could lift the bat if the batter was moving towards the crease or diving.” Mir addressed.

“However, in this case, Muneeba was unfortunately standing on the ground. Neither was she moving nor diving. Had she come running, the decision would have been overturned. This was overall an improved show, but Pakistan would need to make a better show in the rest of the World Cup. India has now gone to the top after Australia’s last game was whitewashed.” The former spinner informed.

The T20I captain of the Indian cricket team, Suryakumar Yadav, has provided a special message for the women’s team, including their two veteran players- Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, ahead of the Women’s World Cup 2025. He again took a jibe at the Pakistan side ahead of their clash against India.

During a recent interaction on Star Sports, Suryakumar Yadav revealed that there is no rivalry between the two sides, with India already gaining an advantage by a 11-0 margin. He also hoped to convert the number to 12-0 if the women’s side wins the battle at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

See Also: [WATCH] Pakistan players use mosquito spray to remove pests during IND-W vs PAK-W clash of ICC Women's World Cup 2025

“Women's cricket has been playing a different brand of cricket over the last couple of years. They're performing really well. But against Pakistan, if they continue like this and stay fully focused, I'm sure mission 12-0 is possible. If you talk about rivalry, it's when two teams play 12 games and the score is 6-6 or 7-5. But 11-0 is not a rivalry. If the women focus completely on their game, I'm sure they can make it 12-0.” Suryakumar Yadav expressed on Star Sports.

Watch: Suryakumar Yadav gives special message for India in Women’s World Cup 2025

Sky admits how tough it becomes to go through an ICC event at home as the pressure remains immense, while he also pointed out the support the Blue Brigade gets from the home spectators, along with the experience of playing on these venues.

Pressure? What pressure! 😎@surya_14kumar has a special message for his counterparts, @ImHarmanpreet & @mandhana_smriti!

Catch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/CdmEhf3RaM #CWC25 👉 #INDvPAK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports network & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/nKjKvZCrNw

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2025

“I want to be true. When you are the hosts and you play any ICC event at home, the pressure remains on you. At the same time, we have played several games in the Indian venues in front of the fans. So, there is always extra help. Smriti Mandhana has been batting beautifully and is the most consistent player for them.” Sky addressed on Star Sports.

“If she continues along with others' contributions, then it will be excellent. It’s a good occasion for everyone to chip in. It will require a complete game effort from the team to do well in this tournament.” Suryakumar Yadav concluded.

The last three weeks of the India vs Pakistan clashes have been around several controversies, starting from the decision of the Blue Brigade not to shake hands with the Pakistan players at the toss and after the end of the game as it continued to their decision of not receiving the Asia Cup from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) head, Mohsin Naqvi, who ran away with the trophy. 

Another chapter was added during the toss at the R Premadasa Stadium for the IND-W vs PAK-W encounter in the Women’s World Cup 2025, as an incorrect decision was made at the toss. The decision of the toss was given in favor of Pakistan captain, Fatima Sana, whose call was heard wrong by the match referee and the announcer.

See Also: "Nobody knows why..."- Former Indian selector slams Harshit Rana's selection in India's ODI squad against Australia

When Indian captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, flipped the coin in the air, Fatima had called ‘tails.’ The match referee, Shandre Fritz, and the toss presenter, Mel Jones, heard it as ‘heads’. On the landing of the coin on the soil, the winner was Sana, who decided to field first. Kaur didn’t question the decision at that time.

Watch: Wrong decision at toss during IND-W vs PAK-W in ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 creates controversy

Both teams were forced to make one change each in the playing eleven for their second league-stage clash. Amanjot Kaur, who made a fifty during the curtain raiser of the tournament against Sri Lanka, was rested due to her illness, as Renuka Singh Thakur came into the eleven. On the other hand, Omaina Sohail got out as the opener, Sadaf Shamas.

She definitely said 'tails'. How can they make mistakes like this? #indvpak pic.twitter.com/xuInUgvyIR

— d (@KoolKomorebi) October 5, 2025

It hasn’t been a great batting show for India, who lost their opening batter, Smriti Mandhana, for 23 runs, while Pratika Rawal ended with 31 runs in 37 balls at a strike rate of 83.78. Kaur returned for 19 runs as Harleen Deol finished with 46 runs at a strike rate of 70.77.

India stationed themselves at 154/4 in 34 overs when the umpires called for a 15-minute break to use the spray around the ground to get rid of the insects at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

After the men’s team skipped handshakes with Pakistan players during their Asia Cup victory, the BCCI has reportedly extended the same directive to the women’s side. Ahead of their ICC Women’s World Cup league clash against Pakistan in Colombo on Sunday, the players have been told to avoid the customary post-match handshake, The Indian Express reported. 

BCCI Advises Women’s Team to Avoid Handshakes with Pakistan at World Cup

According to sources, the message was conveyed before the team’s departure for Sri Lanka on Wednesday. “The team won’t be shaking hands with Pakistan during the World Cup. The BCCI bosses have informed the players, and the board will stand firmly behind them,” a senior official confirmed.

India’s men’s team faced Pakistan three times in the Asia Cup in the UAE, including the final, where they clinched victory by five wickets. For the woman, the upcoming clash will be their second World Cup outing after opening with a win against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on Tuesday.

Will there be handshakes when India & Pakistan women toss on Sunday at the World Cup? BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia tells me there is “no change” in their relationship with Pakistan. Interview in BBC Stumped pod out tomorrow: https://t.co/TvHf1tyBIS #bbcstumped #bbccricket pic.twitter.com/jKjIbcOE3z

— Alison Mitchell (@AlisonMitchell) October 1, 2025

The Asia Cup was shadowed by repeated mentions of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives, and India’s Operation Sindoor, targeting terror bases in PoK and Pakistan, sparking a brief military standoff. Tensions deepened further when India’s men’s team refused to receive the trophy from ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Pakistan’s interior minister and PCB chief. The BCCI later accused Naqvi of withholding the trophy.

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During a virtual ACC meeting on Tuesday, BCCI representatives pressed Naqvi for clarity on when the trophy and medals would be delivered. Dissatisfied with his response, they walked out midway. Responding, Naqvi said: “Let me be very clear, I have done nothing wrong and I have never apologised to the BCCI, nor will I ever do so. As ACC chairman, I was ready to hand over the trophy that very day and remain ready even now. If they truly want it, they are welcome to come to the ACC office and collect it from me.”