India recently announced their squad for the 2025 Women's World Cup. There is still some uncertainty about the venues and tickets for the tournament, but the selectors were clear while choosing their 15-member team. Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India, and Smriti Mandhana will be her deputy. Renuka Singh Thakur has been selected even after a long time out due to injury, while the less experienced trio of Pratika Rawal, Sree Charani, and Kranti Goud have also been picked.

At the same time, there were a few notable exclusions that surprised many. While all the decisions were justified, it was a bit strange that these players were not included even in the standby list.

Here are three big names who missed out on India's squad for the 2025 Women's World Cup:

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3.  Asha Sobhana

Asha Sobhana has played only two ODIs, so it was not a big surprise that she missed out on the 2025 Women's World Cup squad. She also missed the 2025 Women's Premier League season due to injury and was not in the national team's plans for the tournament. Earlier, it seemed like Asha could easily become a regular in the 50-over team. India has chosen more pace bowlers, with Sneh Rana and Sree Charani joining Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav, plus some part-time options. In a home World Cup, having a leg-spinner like Asha could have been useful. But because of her injuries and lack of experience in this format, it is understandable that India did not pick her.

2.  Shafali Verma

The biggest surprise from India's squad announcement was that Shafali Verma was left out of the 15 and not even included in the standbys. The 21-year-old has played 29 ODIs and scored 644 runs at an average of 23. Shafali’s inconsistency has been an issue for years, and she has not improved enough to fix the gaps in her game. Pratika Rawal has been more stable at the top of the order, so Shafali was never likely to be picked in the first-choice team. The backup batter slot went to the versatile Yastika Bhatia.

1.  Shreyanka Patil

Shreyanka Patil, another player expected to become a regular for India, has had a tough year. The off-spinner faced several injuries and, like Asha, missed the 2025 Women's Premier League. She was reportedly cleared by the Centre of Excellence before the World Cup squad was announced. But the selectors probably did not want to disturb the team balance. Even so, it is worth questioning why she was not included in the standby list, given her clear talent with the ball.

India’s squad for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Singh Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Yastika Bhatia (wk), Sneh Rana.

England Women beat India Women by 5 wickets in a last-ball thriller to close out the series on a high at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Despite Shafali Verma’s explosive 75 (41) guiding India to a strong total of 167/7, England chased down the target, finishing at 168/5 in their 20 overs. With this win, England pulled one back, but India still clinched the five-match series 3–2.

India Women Innings

India was put in to bat first and got off to a flier, thanks to Shafali Verma’s explosive knock of 75 off 41 balls, which featured multiple boundaries and well-timed strokes. She utilized the power play full throttle and set the tone early on with attacking intent. Richa Ghosh (24 off 16) was also good company in the middle overs with her aggressive play style, rotating strike, and making gaps. But after the dismissal of Shafali, India's run momentum dipped. England bowlers Charlie Dean (3/23) and Sophie Ecclestone (2/28) hit at regular intervals and curbed the run flow. India, after a bright beginning, were limited to 167/7 from their 20 overs, just below par on a good batting pitch.

England Women Innings

Pursuing 168, England Women built their innings on a strong opening stand, with Danielle Wyatt-Hodge smashing 56 from 37 balls, anchoring the chase brilliantly. She was ably supported by Sophia Dunkley (46 off 30), who played some elegant shots and kept the scoreboard ticking. Tamsin Beaumont (30 off 20) made some crucial runs to maintain the required run rate. But India came back through Deepti Sharma (2/31) and Arundhati Reddy (2/47), which made the game go to the final over. It finished with 6 runs needed from the final over to bring it down to the final ball. England held their nerves and completed the chase at 168/5, sealing a thrilling 5-wicket win.

ENG W vs IND W, 5th T20I – Key Moments

• The young opener blasted 75 off 41 balls, setting up a solid platform and anchoring India’s innings. Her aggressive approach early on put England on the back foot.
  
• Just when India appeared set for a 180+ total, Charlie Dean's 3 wickets halted run scoring in the middle overs.
  
• Danielle Wyatt-Hodge and Sophia Dunkley put together a much-needed partnership, keeping the required run rate in check through some good but calculated aggression.
  
• England kept their never needing 6 runs off the final over, achieving that on the last ball of the match, handling India with a rare defeat after an otherwise dominant English tour. 
  
• Despite the defeat, India secured a series win, 3-2, their first T20I series win in England, a huge step in India's white-ball journey.

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ENG W vs IND W, 5th T20: Match Scorecard

India Women Innings – 167/7 (20 Overs)

England Women Innings – 168/5 (20 Overs)

In the 4th T20I of the five-match series between India Women and England Women at Old Trafford, Manchester, England Women batted first after winning the toss. The hosts, however, found it difficult to make an early push on a slow surface and managed only a moderate total. India Women chased down the target easily in 17 overs, winning the match by six wickets. With this win, India sealed a 3–1 lead in the series, ensuring a historic T20I series win in England with one game remaining. The last and final match is to be held on July 12, where India will try to clinch the series 4–1, while England will attempt to rescue pride.

England Women Innings

England Women posted 126/7 in 20 overs after being asked to bat. Their top scorers included Sophia Dunkley (22 off 19), Tamsin Beaumont (20 off 19), and Alice Capsey (18 off 21), but none could carry on for a big innings. India's bowling unit was disciplined and in touch throughout. Radha Yadav (2/15) was the best bowler, with Nallapureddy Charani (2/30) and Amanjot Kaur (1/20) also keeping tight lines to rein in England. The hosts didn't make the most of the power play and didn't have any acceleration at the end.

India Women Innings

India responded confidently in the chase, reaching 127/4 in just 17 overs. Smriti Mandhana anchored the innings with 32 off 31, while Shafali Verma’s blistering 31 off 19 set the tone in the powerplay. Harmanpreet Kaur added 26 from 25 balls to ensure a smooth finish. England bowlers attempted to restrain things, with Issy Wong (1/18), Sophie Ecclestone (1/20), and Charlie Dean (1/29) each taking a wicket, but India kept a consistent run rate going and clinched a six-wicket victory.

ENG W vs IND W, 4th T20I – Key Moments

• Radha–Charani Pair Apply the Brakes: India’s left-arm spinner Radha Yadav (2/15) and medium pacer Nallapureddy Charani (2/30) put the brakes on England’s middle overs, resulting in a sub-par total.
  
• England’s Slow Batting Expensive: After a solid start, England lost the momentum in the middle overs and produced only 39 runs in the last six overs, leaving the bowlers far too little to defend.
  
• Mandhana–Harmanpreet Stand Steadies Chase: Following a brief wobble, the seasoned duo of Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur put in crucial runs in the middle overs to calm nerves and close in on the target.
  
• India Clinches Series with Brilliance: India's dominating six-wicket victory gives them an unbeatable 3–1 series lead. It was a first-ever T20I series victory in England in their home country, a huge achievement in India Women's cricket history

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ENG W vs IND W, 4th T20: Match Scorecard

England Women Innings – 126/7 (20 Overs)

India Women Innings – 127/4 (17 Overs)

In the 3rd T20I of the five-match series between England Women and India Women at Kennington Oval, London, England Women won the toss and decided to bat first. Piling on a good top-order total, they put up a good score and defended it successfully in a nervous finish. With this 5-run victory, England narrowed the series gap as India now leads 2-1.

England Women Innings

England Women posted 171/9 in 20 overs, led by a stellar 75 off 53 balls by Sophia Dunkley and a stylish 66 off 42 by Danni Wyatt-Hodge. The pair added an authoritative 119-run stand that was the foundation for a solid total. England saw a late collapse set in motion by Indian bowlers, but Sophie Ecclestone, with 10 off 5 guided England across the line in a nervy finish.. India's bowling was led by Deepti Sharma (3/27) and Arundhati Reddy (3/32), who claimed important wickets in the middle and death overs. Nallapureddy Charani also performed well, finishing with 2/43 from her four-over spell. 

India Women Innings

India, pursuing 172, finished at 166/5 in 20 overs, losing by 5 runs. Smriti Mandhana scored the highest of 56 from 49 balls, keeping the innings intact, while Shafali Verma had a destructive 47-run innings from 25 balls. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur added 23 from 17, but consistent breakthroughs from England did not allow India to quicken at the end. England’s bowlers held their nerve in the death overs, with Lauren Filer (2/30) bowling with pace and accuracy. Sophie Ecclestone (1/24) was economical once again, and Issy Wong (1/36) chipped in with a crucial wicket.

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ENG W vs IND W, 3rd T20I – Key Moments

• Dunkley–Wyatt Power Blitz (137-run stand): Openers Sophia Dunkley (75 off 53) and Danni Wyatt-Hodge (66 off 42) hammered a commanding 137-run partnership in just 15.2 overs, setting England up for a strong total
• India’s Late Bowling Surge: After dominating early, England collapsed from 137/1 to 168/9, as Arundhati Reddy and Deepti Sharma grabbed three-wicket hauls each, applying pressure and swinging the momentum
• Shafali-Verma’s Explosive Start: India’s reply began brightly with openers contributing 85 in six overs, thanks largely to Shafali Verma (47 off 25) attacking the spinners before falling to Ecclestone
• Mandhana Keeps India in Hunt: Smriti Mandhana’s composed 56 off 49 kept India competitive; however, her dismissal came at a crucial time when 18 runs were needed off the last 9 balls
• Bell Seals the Deal in Final Over: With Issy Wong (19th over) removing Richa Ghosh, Lauren Bell defended 12 runs in the last over, conceding only six and dismissing Harmanpreet Kaur, securing a dramatic five-run win for England

ENG W vs IND W, 3rd T20: Match Scorecard

England Women Innings – 171/9 (20 Overs)

India Women Innings – 166/5 (20 Overs)

Indian vice-captain Smriti Mandhana believes that the upcoming five-match T20I series against England will play a pivotal role in India’s preparations for the T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in similar conditions next year. With the matches taking place during the English summer, Mandhana sees this series as a golden opportunity for players to adapt to local conditions ahead of the marquee event. "Since we have a T20 World Cup next year around the same time, around the summer in the UK, which is again similar conditions, I'm sure the five T20Is will be a good prep for a lot of the girls and for us also to see the conditions and how they suit our game too,” she said.

The Indian squad features several young players making their first tour of England, including Kranti Gaud and Sree Charani. Mandhana stressed that spending time in English conditions before the series has been crucial for the squad’s preparation. "It's been a good 25 days of prep; we had batters and bowlers camp at Bangalore at NCA and that was also very targeted and specific, keeping in mind this tour," she explained. India also arrived in England early to maximize acclimatization. "Of course, we came a little earlier here, a good eight days of prep, a few good practice matches, and we got to know a lot of things about the England conditions. For a lot of girls, it's their first England tour, so it was important for them to come here early and get used to the conditions," she added.

Mandhana also heaped praise on her opening partner, Shafali Verma, who has returned to the squad after a brief exclusion from the T20I setup in late 2024. Shafali had a stellar WPL campaign, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer and showing clear signs of form revival. "She's had an amazing year. Once the setback had come, she went to domestic cricket, scored bucketloads of runs, and had an amazing WPL. No one had any doubts about her talent, the way she had come into the Indian team and dominated,” Mandhana said.

Excited for Pace Unit and Shafali’s Comeback

Shafali’s domestic form has been equally impressive, topping the run charts in both the Senior Women’s One-Day Trophy and the Challenger Trophy. “She is a world-class player and always will be, but for her to go back and do what she did in the last year was amazing to watch. She deserves this comeback, and I'm really excited to open with her again," Mandhana shared. Her return provides a boost to India’s top order, and her recent form promises explosive starts alongside Mandhana.

"Shafali Verma is a world class player, so she deserves this comeback to T20"
- Smriti Mandhana#TeamIndia #ENGvIND #INDvsENG https://t.co/dTaSPZ3D0K

— Cricket Cult (@CricketCult_) June 28, 2025

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The vice-captain also expressed enthusiasm for the new-look pace attack set to play in England. With regular bowlers Renuka Singh Thakur, Pooja Vastrakar, and Titas Sadhu unavailable due to injuries, Arundhati Reddy will lead a fresh group. "We have a new-look pace-bowling unit because, unfortunately, there are a few injuries that have happened over the last four to five months, but it is really exciting. I mean, the WPL has been good in terms of finding new people, and of course, the domestic system as well." She added, "The amount of matches the girls play nowadays—all these girls have a rich experience in the domestic format, so I'm really excited to see them.”

The Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025 is a thrilling cricket competition with the best women's teams. One of the most highly anticipated matches is between Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) and Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W). Below are the complete details regarding the match, including time, stadium, and live streaming.

LIVE STREAMING:

• Teams: Mumbai Indians Women (MI-W) vs. Delhi Capitals Women (DC-W)
• Date: February 15, 2025
• Time: 7:30 PM IST
• Venue: Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara

The Vadodara Kotambi Stadium has a well-balanced pitch. The batters will be able to score runs easily, but the fast bowlers will also get assistance in the initial overs. It should be a high-scoring game.

IN ALL COUNTRIES

WPL 2025 Live Streaming Online

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Match Prediction
Both MI-W and DC-W possess good teams. Mumbai Indians Women possess strong hitters, whereas Delhi Capitals Women possess a balanced team. It will be a tough contest, and people can anticipate a close match.

The Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Semi final is set to be a thrilling encounter as India takes on Bangladesh. Both teams have shown remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an exciting clash. India, known for their strategic play and powerful batting line-up, have been in formidable form, dominating their group stage matches. Their key players have consistently delivered outstanding performances, making them a formidable force in this competition.

On the other hand, Bangladesh has emerged as a resilient and tenacious team, demonstrating exceptional prowess with both bat and ball. Their journey to the semi finals has been marked by impressive victories and standout individual performances, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level. The stakes are high, and the winner will secure a coveted spot in the Asia Cup 2024 Women’s Final, bringing them one step closer to glory.

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INDW vs BANW: Key Batters Poised to Shine in Women’s Semi-Finals

Shafali Verma: Shafali Verma has been a standout performer for the Indian women’s cricket team in the Asia Cup 2024. With 270 runs in 10 matches, she boasts an impressive average of 33.75 and a striking strike rate of 141.36. Known for her aggressive batting style, Shafali has consistently provided India with explosive starts, putting the opposition bowlers under immense pressure. Her ability to score quickly and dominate the powerplay overs has been a crucial factor in India’s successful campaign so far.

Smriti Mandhana: Smriti Mandhana, another key player for India, has been in sublime form throughout the tournament. Accumulating 265 runs in 10 matches, she has maintained an excellent average of 44.17 and a strike rate of 131.18. Smriti’s elegant stroke play and ability to build innings have made her a cornerstone of India’s batting lineup. Her consistency at the top of the order has not only provided stability but also allowed the middle order to play more freely. Her contributions have been vital in setting competitive totals and chasing down targets effectively.

Murshida Khatun: For Bangladesh, Murshida Khatun has been a significant contributor with the bat. In 8 matches, she has scored 208 runs at an average of 26 and a strike rate of 96.29. While her statistics may not seem as flashy as some of her counterparts, Murshida’s role in the team has been crucial. She has provided solid starts and has anchored the innings, allowing the more aggressive batters to play around her. Her ability to rotate the strike and keep the scoreboard ticking has been essential in building partnerships and laying the foundation for competitive totals.

Nigar Sultana: Nigar Sultana has been a pivotal figure for Bangladesh in the Asia Cup 2024. With 236 runs in 10 matches, she has an average of 33.71 and a strike rate of 95.16. As a middle-order batter, Nigar has often found herself in pressure situations, where she has shown remarkable composure and resilience. Her knack for playing crucial knocks and guiding her team through tough phases has been invaluable. Nigar’s performances have not only steadied the ship for Bangladesh but have also propelled them to key victories, making her a player to watch in the semifinals.

See Also: Women’s Asia Cup 2024: Player Analysis: Richa Ghosh: The Next Evolution in Indian Women’s Cricket

India ended their league matches with a perfect win record by beating Nepal by 82 runs in Dambulla on Tuesday (July 23). With this victory, India secured a spot in the semifinals. Earlier, Purla also confirmed their semifinal place from Group A by defeating UAE.

Shafali Verma’s Knock Leads India’s Strong Batting Performance

Shafali Verma’s impressive 81 off 48 balls and her 122-run opening stand with Dayalan Hemalatha (47 off 42) set the tone for India’s batting. Although the run rate slowed after the openers fell, India posted a strong total of 178. This proved too much for Nepal as Deepti Sharma (3-13) and Radha Yadav (2-12) shone with the ball.

Even without regular captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Pooja Vastrakar, India had enough strength to comfortably outplay Nepal. The gap in experience and skill was clear, as India faced little challenge. Despite their limited resources and inexperience, Nepal fought hard, especially with the ball, to keep India from a bigger total after the strong opening stand. However, these small victories were all Nepal could achieve as India cruised to victory.

India’s batting phases

Powerplay: Strong start with new opening pair

Stand in captain Smriti Mandhana gave others a chance to bat, resulting in a new opening pair. Dayalan Hemalatha and Shafali Verma started, with Shafali quickly hitting boundaries to set the pace. Hemalatha struggled with timing, but India still had a solid start.

Middle overs: Shafali accelerates

Nepal hoped for relief after the powerplay, but Shafali kept hitting boundaries, including a big hit off Rubina Chhetry. Hemalatha also hit a six but couldn’t find rhythm. She was caught in the 12th over, but Shafali continued India’s strong progress.

Death overs: Nepal slows down India

Nepal did well to limit India to a run rate of just over 9 in the final overs. Shafali fell in the 16th over, slowing the pace. Jemimah Rodrigues’ 15-ball 28 pushed the total past 175, but Nepal managed to prevent a bigger score.

Nepal’s batting phases

Powerplay: India’s seamers strike early

Opener Samjhana Khadka started strong but was bowled by Arundhati Reddy in the second over. Kabita Kunwar also fell quickly. Nepal captain Indu Barma and Sita Rana Magar hit a few boundaries, but the overall scoring was too slow.

Middle overs: Nepal struggles against India’s bowlers

Nepal’s chase stalled after a weak powerplay. Arundhati Reddy and Deepti Sharma took crucial wickets, and the scoring rate dropped. Only three boundaries came in the middle overs, with Deepti and Radha Yadav controlling the game. Rubina Chhetry hit a six but soon fell to Deepti.

Death overs: India wraps up the game

The match was decided early, with Nepal only trying to bat out their overs. Bindu Rawal’s unbeaten 19-ball 17 helped Nepal avoid a complete collapse. Deepti and Radha each took a wicket, but Nepal’s last-wicket pair survived the full 20 overs.

Player of the Match (Shafali Verma)

“I just tried to back my strenghth, and it worked. The consistency is coming, but I want to finish better. To score 200 [like she did against South Africa recently] is a big thing for a batter, and I got a lot of confidence from it. I hope I continue to do well for the team.”

The Indian women’s cricket team put up an impressive score of 178 runs against Nepal in their final group stage match of the Women’s Asia Cup 2024. Opener Shafali Verma was the standout performer, scoring 81 runs off 48 balls.

India won the toss and chose to bat first, a decision that worked out well. Shafali Verma and Dayalan Hemalatha provided a strong start, bringing the team to 91 runs within the first 10 overs. They continued their good form, adding 23 more runs in the next 3 overs.

Shafali Verma shines with 81 runs

Shafali Verma along with Dayalan Hemalatha, laid a solid foundation for India with a partnership of 122 runs. Sita Rana Magar was Nepal’s top wicket taker, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in 4 overs.

Hemalatha was dismissed in the 14th over after scoring 47 runs from 42 balls. Soon after, Shafali was stumped while attempting a big shot having hit 12 fours and a six in her innings.

Final overs Surge: India scores 35 runs

After the fall of Hemalatha and Shafali, India’s scoring rate slowed down. They managed only 12 runs in the 16th and 17th overs. However, the team bounced back in the final 3 overs, scoring 35 runs to finish their innings at 178 runs.

Overall, India’s strong start and late surge ensured a solid total. Despite a slowdown in the middle overs, the team’s final push helped them set a challenging target for Nepal.

India started their Asia Cup campaign with a bang, defeating Pakistan by seven wickets in Dambulla on Friday. Deepti Sharma, the Player of the Match, led a disciplined bowling effort, taking 3-20 to restrict Pakistan to just 108 runs. Openers Smriti Mandhana (45 off 31) and Shafali Verma (40 off 29) then chased down the target with ease, launching India’s title defense in style.

Powerplay: India’s strong start

Nida Dar chose to bat first on a dry, batting friendly pitch, but Pakistan’s top order struggled against Pooja Vastrakar’s early strikes. In contrast, India’s openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma went after the Pakistani bowlers, scoring at 9.5 runs per over in the first six overs. Pakistan managed only one double-digit over in their PowerPlay, with India’s pacers applying constant pressure in windy conditions.

Pakistan’s struggle: Vastrakar removes openers early

Pooja Vastrakar was in top form, removing both Pakistan openers in her PowerPlay overs. She used the short ball effectively, and despite a boundary off her first ball, she quickly took control. Pakistan’s top order couldn’t recover, managing only a few boundaries in the first six overs.

Spinners and Renuka Thakur keep Pakistan in check

India’s spinners took over, with Patil striking in her first over. Aliya Riaz fell to a leading edge, and with Harmanpreet Kaur also bowling spin, Pakistan crawled to 53/3 at the halfway mark. Vastrakar’s return added pressure, leading to the dismissal of Pakistan’s captain, Dar. Renuka Thakur then took two quick wickets in her final over, leaving Pakistan struggling.

Late counterattack curbed by off-spinners

Tuba Hassan and Fatima Sana provided some resistance, adding 31 runs for the ninth wicket. Tuba was aggressive, hitting boundaries off Deepti, Vastrakar, and Shreyanka, but Deepti dismissed her soon after. A run-out and a quick wicket by Patil ended Pakistan’s innings at 108 with four balls left.

India’s chase

Verma’s blazing start

Pakistan started with spin, but Shafali Verma quickly punished Sadia Iqbal. Verma and Mandhana kept the score ticking with boundaries, racing to 57 runs in the PowerPlay. Verma’s aggressive batting set the tone, hitting Fatima Sana for consecutive boundaries.

Mandhana seals the deal

Nashra Sandhu provided brief respite with a tight over, but Mandhana’s onslaught on Tuba ended Pakistan’s hopes. Mandhana hit five boundaries in one over, reaching 45 before being dismissed. Verma also fell, but D Hemalatha maintained the momentum with quick boundaries. Despite Sandhu’s late strike, India easily completed the chase in the 15th over.

POTM

Deepti Sharma received the Player of the Match award for her outstanding performance with the ball, taking 3-20.

Women’s Asia Cup T20, 2024 – Group A: