India’s opening batter, Pratika Rawal, was a vital member of the side in the opening position with Smriti Mandhana during the Women’s World Cup 2025. The former earned massive success with the bat before injuring her ankles and knee during the wash-out clash against Bangladesh at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

That was a huge injury to rule Rawal out of the tournament. It led the management and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side to bring the 21-year-old Shafali Verma into the opening spot while Jemimah Rodrigues got promoted to the number three position for the semifinal against Australia and final against South Africa.

See Also: WATCH: Jemimah Rodrigues Reveals India Women's Team 'Secret' Song After World Cup 2025 Win

“When she [Pratika] got injured, everybody was crying...yet, everybody was so positive. Everyone was thinking that our end goal was this trophy. We had to keep working hard day and night. And this is the result.” Kaur revealed in the post-match presentation ceremony.

Harmanpreet Kaur highlights India’s disappointment to lose Pratika Rawal for injury in Women’s World Cup 2025

Rawal was present at the stadium during the final on November 02. She was in a wheelchair with a plastered ankle and witnessed history in the making. Rawal also stood up with the players for celebration and was at the podium with the trophy as well.

“I can't express enough. There are no words. It's not going to come out of my mouth. This flag on my shoulder means a lot to me. And you know, being here with my team, it's just surreal. Injuries are part and parcel of the game. I'm very happy that I was a part of this team, this winning team. I just love this team. I can't express my feelings towards this team.” Rawal expressed.

“To be very honest, it was very difficult for me to sit down and watch the match because it's actually very difficult. It's very easy to play inside rather than watch from the outside. But seeing this energy, seeing this environment, it just gave me goosebumps. Whenever there was a wicket, whenever there was a sixer, you know, you can see the energy.” She concluded.

A video has gone viral where a South African fan has mocked several Protea players for not showing up in the Women’s World Cup final despite their Protea side participating against India at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. She also pointed out how the Indian fans passionately believed on their own side.

The fan questioned the ex-men’s cricketers of the Rainbow Nation and even their Sports Minister for not showing up in Mumbai on what was a high-profile event for both sides. But it couldn’t prove to be the same ending.

See Also: [WATCH] Jemimah Rodrigues opens up on self-belief behind India Women's team winning World Cup 2025

“India, you win this World Cup. Your congratulations are coming, but give me a few minutes. Because I am going to tell you why. The reason- you. Everyone of you. The whole week before the Australia thing- you guys have the belief. It was all over India. I think I saw Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar there, but you the hell turned up from South Africa?” The fan expressed that the video went viral on various social media platforms.

Watch: South Africa fan criticizes former men’s players for not turning up in Women’s World Cup 2025

The question could be raised to de Villiers, who came to Ahmedabad to visit the IPL 2025 final with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru- his former franchise, but didn’t set foot in India on November 02. Meanwhile, Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and several notable Indian players had their eyes on their players during the final.

इस वीडियो को एक बार सुनिएगा जरूर… pic.twitter.com/XXBskmRhoD

— LP Pant (@pantlp) November 3, 2025

“These ex-cricketers from South Africa’s men, whom you all love- where were they? This event was not high-profile for them. Nobody turned up. I don’t think our sports minister turned up. That’s what they think about South Africa’s women’s team. They had every chance to win, but what does it feel like if none of these people show up?” The fan echoed her voice.

“Did you think they were going to lose? Australia always says that South Africans don’t bother about cricket, and today, for a minute, I actually believed it. India and their fans are the winners of the World Cup, and you know what? You deserve it.” She concluded.

Jemimah Rodrigues, the number three batter of the Indian women’s side, played a sensational knock during the second semifinal of the Women’s World Cup 2025 against Australia with an unbeaten century to progress them into the final against South Africa at the DR DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

Rodrigues, who notched up a fine knock of 127 runs in 134 balls at a strike rate of 94.78 with the help of 14 boundaries, on Star Sports revealed that they couldn’t believe whether their lifting the title was a dream or reality. She also spoke about visualizing the moment, which gave them an immense desire to win the trophy. She also sang their team song in celebration of the ocassions. 

See Also: “Frustrating because…”- Laura Wolvaardt admits this mistake in Women’s World Cup 2025 final vs India

“Is it a dream or a reality? Because we visualized India winning the Women’s World Cup 2025. We visualized it a million times. We kept talking about it all the time, and we still can’t believe it. Is this really happening?” Rodrigues expressed on Star Sports after winning the Women’s World Cup 2025.

Watch: Jemimah Rodrigues highlights power of visualization for winning Women’s World Cup 2025

Rodrigues also pointed out that a champion side would always know how to turn the tables after a tough start, as they did from losing three successive league-stage clashes against Australia, England, and South Africa and being in contention of being disqualified before the semifinal to winning the title.

“A champion team isn’t one that wins everything - it’s one that rises after every fall.” 🙌@JemiRodrigues opens up on the power of visualization, self-belief, and the love that fueled India’s World Cup journey! 🇮🇳🏆#CWC25 #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/KXwalg12RZ

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 3, 2025

“I always believe that a champion team does not win everything. It’s a team that knows how to pick itself up after a fall, and that’s what team India has done, and it’s a special day. From the semifinal night, I can’t tell how much my phone is buzzing. I have been getting so much love and support that I had to uninstall WhatsApp. Almost a thousand messages came on my phone, and I just want to thank everyone.” Rodrigues shed light on the discussion.

In the final, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side posted 298 runs in the first innings, thanks to 87 runs by opener Shafali Verma, while Deepti Sharma cracked 58 runs. But apart from Laura Wolvaardt’s 101, no one could stand tall in the middle as they fell short of the target by 52 runs.

The Rugby player of the South Africa side, Siya Kolisi, has sent his support to the Women’s Cricket team ahead of their World Cup 2025 final against India at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. They qualified for the stage after an inspirational victory against England during the first semifinal at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

It's the first final in the Women’s 50-over World Cup for the Proteas, as they hope to make it three consecutive finals' defeats for the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, who lost their last two Women’s ODI World Cup finals in 2005 and 2017 against Australia and England, respectively. In their meeting at the group stage, the Proteas pulled off a fine chase despite being behind the eighth ball.

See Also: [WATCH] Abhishek Sharma opens account with 6 during AUS vs IND 3rd T20I in Hobart

"I want to say Thank you to every South African fans. Every single week, they have come out for us; there are still four more games left. Hopefully they keep getting behind us, and also I want to say that our women's cricket team is playing in the World Cup final against India. Let's get behind them too. We all are South Africans. Thanks to all the fans for appreciating us." Kolisi expressed in a video that the Proteas Women side shared on Instagram. 

Watch: South Africa's Rugby player supports women's cricket team ahead of World Cup 2025 against India 

During the league stage meeting of the two sides, India batted first to get bundled out for 251 runs in 49.5 overs thanks to a fine knock of 94 runs in just 77 balls from their wicket-keeper batter, Richa Ghosh, at a strike rate of 122.09 with the help of 11 boundaries and four sixes. She was well supported by Sneh Rana, who smashed 33 runs in 24 balls in the lower order partnership.

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Proteas Women (@proteaswomencsa)

In reply, the Rainbow Nation found themselves under pressure, before completing the successful run chase by three wickets with seven balls to spare. Their captain timed a fine knock of 70 runs. However, the biggest contribution came from Nadline de Clerk, who clubbed an undefeated knock of 84 runs in 54 balls along with Chloe Tyron's 49 runs.

In the final, the Proteas won the toss and decided to bowl first under overcast conditions as both sides retained an unchanged playing eleven from the semfinal. 

The cricketing fraternity praised India’s victory in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai after they completed an epic run chase by 341 runs in 48.3 overs with five wickets in hand, thanks to the special unbeaten 127-run knock in 134 balls from Jemimah Rodrigues with the help of 14 boundaries.

Along with Rodrigues, India’s captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, kept themselves in the game with a 167-run stand for the third wicket with Rodrigues. The former clubbed a splendid knock of 89 runs in 88 balls with the help of 10 boundaries and two sixes. Meanwhile, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh also contributed with 24 and 26 runs respectively.

See Also: [WATCH] BCCI shares dressing room reaction to Jemimah Rodrigues' century to win Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal

“Australia soch rahi thi ek aur semi-final hai, aaram se jeeto aur pahuncho Final- hamari ladkiyon ne socha yeh to mauka hai asli dhamaka karne ka! Saare criticism ko dho daala. Kya khel dikhaya. Proud of our women in blue.” The former Indian opener, Virender Sehwag, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Rishabh Pant and Sachin Tendulkar congratulate India’s Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal win

In the first innings of the semifinal, Australia’s left-handed opening batter, Phoebe Litchfield, cracked 119 runs in 93 balls at a strike rate of 127.96, thanks to 17 boundaries and three sixes. In the middle order, Ashleigh Gardner smashed 63 runs in 45 balls at a strike rate of 140 with the help of four boundaries and as many sixes.

India will now face South Africa in the final of the competition on November 02 at the same venue in Navi Mumbai.

Australia soch rahi thi ek aur semi-final hai, aaram se jeeto aur pahuncho Final- hamari ladkiyon ne socha yeh to mauka hai asli dhamaka karne ka! Saare criticism ko dho daala. Kya khel dikhaya. Proud of our women in blue. pic.twitter.com/oX5BfWK3PM

— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) October 30, 2025

Fabulous victory! 🇮🇳

Well done @JemiRodrigues and @ImHarmanpreet for leading from the front. Shree Charani and @Deepti_Sharma06, you kept the game alive with the ball.

Keep the tricolour flying high. 💙 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/cUfEPwcQXn

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 30, 2025

A match full of heart, fight and belief. Congratulations to our Indian women’s team for making it to the finals. 🇮🇳👏 pic.twitter.com/9MF5IdhZgs

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) October 30, 2025

Incredible chase by #TeamIndia to knock-out the Aussies and end their win streak. Just the perfect chase against the mightiest of oppositions. Congratulations!

It’s India v Proteas in the #CWC25Final once again. And we will have a new Champion. 🏆 🇿🇦 🇮🇳 https://t.co/vOmE8oS5F8

— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) October 30, 2025

The Asia Cup 2025 has not only delivered thrilling cricket but also stirred up intense political drama. Incredibly, three consecutive Sundays witnessed India and Pakistan facing off, with tensions spilling beyond the field.

The Indian men’s team, after their final win, made headlines by refusing to shake hands with the Pakistan players. They also declined to accept the trophy from Asian Cricket Council chief Mohsin Naqvi, who doubles as a Pakistani minister. This decision by skipper Suryakumar Yadav set a strong precedent that drew significant attention worldwide.

With this backdrop, all eyes will now shift to the Women’s World Cup 2025. Harmanpreet Kaur, leading the Indian women’s side, will inevitably be under the spotlight when her team takes on Pakistan. How she and her squad handle the high-pressure atmosphere, both on and off the pitch, will be keenly watched, adding another layer of intrigue to the storied rivalry.India Women

See Also: WATCH: India's pace duo of Bumrah and Siraj strike early against West Indies in 1st test

Will India Women Follow the ‘No Handshake’ Trend?

When asked whether the Indian women’s team would take the same stance as the men’s side during the upcoming ODI World Cup clash against Pakistan, BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia avoided giving a direct yes-or-no reply.

Instead, he emphasized that the overall equation between India and Pakistan remains unchanged. His statement suggested that the dynamics off the field continue to influence cricketing relations, and the recent developments in the Asia Cup have not altered the broader picture. This leaves the approach of the women’s team open to speculation as they prepare for their high-stakes encounter.

Devajit Saikia said, “ I cannot forecast anything, but our relationship with that particular hostile country is the same; there is no change in the last week. India will play that match against Pakistan in Colombo, and all cricket protocols will be followed.”

He further said, “ I can only assure that whatever is in the MCC regulations of cricket, that will be done. Whether there will be handshakes, whether there will be hugging, I cannot assure you of anything at this moment.”

Given the tense political climate between India and Pakistan, it seems improbable that players from both sides will engage in handshakes during their Women’s ODI World Cup clash. The atmosphere surrounding the rivalry has gone beyond the cricket field, and gestures of camaraderie appear unlikely when the two teams face each other on the global stage.

A source of BCCI said, “ The BCCI is aligned with the government, and there will be no customary handshake at the toss, no photo-shoot with the match referee, and no end-of-game handshakes. The policy followed by the men will also be implemented by the women.”

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.

ALSO READ: Shreyas Iyer and Priyansh Arya shine as India A score 400+ in 1st unofficial ODI against Australia A

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.”

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to begin on September 30, with India facing Sri Lanka in Guwahati. The tournament is expected to deliver exciting clashes right from the opening week. Defending champions Australia will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on October 1, while England, last edition’s runners-up, meet South Africa on October 3.

One of the most anticipated contests of the group stage will see India take on arch-rivals Pakistan on October 5 in Colombo. The grand finale is scheduled for November 2. If Pakistan reaches the summit clash, Colombo will host the match; otherwise, Navi Mumbai has been chosen as the alternate venue for the decider.

India, still chasing their maiden Women’s World Cup crown, were the first team to announce their squad. The format ensures all eight participating teams face each other once, with the top four sides progressing to the semifinals.

See Also: Irfan Pathan’s comment sparks wave of MS Dhoni ‘Hookah’ memes online

Squads for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

So far, five teams have finalized their squads for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Australia, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand are yet to reveal their line-ups, keeping fans waiting. With the tournament approaching, all eyes remain on these cricketing nations as they gear up to announce their strongest combinations for the mega event.

India:

Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Smriti Mandhana (vc), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Yastika Bhatia, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud. Reserves: Tejal Hasabnis, Prema Rawat, Priya Mishra, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Uma Chetry, Minnu Mani, Sayali Satghare

Pakistan:

Fatima Sana (c), Muneeba Ali Siddiqui (vc), Aliya Riaz, Diana Baig, Eyman Fatima, Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal, Shawaal Zulfiqar, Sidra Amin, Sidra Nawaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Omaima Sohail, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah

Reserves: Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Waheeda Akhtar, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani

Bangladesh:

Nigar Sultana Joty (c), Nahida Akter, Fargana Hoque, Rubya Haider Jhelik, Sharmin Akter Supta, Marufa Akter, Fariha Islam Trisna, Shanjida Akther Maghla, Nishita Akter Nishi, Sobhana Mostary, Ritu Moni, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Rabeya Khan, Sumaiya Akter

England:

Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Em Arlott, Tammy Beaumont, Lauren Bell, Alice Capsey, Amy Jones, Heather Knight, Emma Lamb, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Filer, Sarah Glenn, Linsey Smith, Danni Wyatt-Hodge

South Africa:

Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit (Reserves) 

Australia:  Yet to Announce

Sri Lanka:  Yet to Announce

New Zealand: Yet to Announce

Complete Schedule for Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

When cricket fans are eagerly waiting for the latest updates about the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 and India’s squad for the tournament, major news emerges about the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. According to the latest media updates, BCCI is likely to announce a 15-member squad for the Women’s WC 2025. For that, the board can hold a press conference at their headquarters in Mumbai.

The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is scheduled to start in September, where India will play the tournament opener with Sri Lanka. The tournament will be running on a hybrid model, with India and Sri Lanka as the host nations. Across the T20 nations, a total of 5 venues will be used to celebrate the cricket carnival. The squad for the World Cup can be very interesting, as there are uncertainties over some cricketers. On the other side, stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh are considered the static names in the team. Not only about the playing XI, the Neetu David-led selection committee needs to pay focus until the last minute on the depth of the entire squad.

While BCCI can announce the squad in Mumbai, there, the adverse weather might hinder BCCI’s plans. Like Monday, on Tuesday too, there is a forecast of heavy rainfall in the city.

Read More: Top 3 reasons why East Delhi Riders Women lost to Central Delhi Queens in the WDPL 2025 match 2

ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, Team India’s schedule:

• 30 September – India vs Sri Lanka – Bengaluru
• 5 October – India vs Pakistan – Colombo
• 9 October – India vs South Africa – Vizag
• 12 October – India vs Australia – Vizag
• 19 October – India vs England – Indore
• 23 October – India vs New Zealand – Guwahati
• 26 October – India vs Bangladesh – Bengaluru

Women's ODI World Cup 2025 venues:

• M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru
• Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati
• Holkar Stadium, Indore
• ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
• R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Bengaluru is officially off the venue list for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup, with Thiruvananthapuram’s Greenfield International Stadium poised to take its place. The tournament, scheduled from September 30 to November 2, will see the Kerala capital host matches that were originally allotted to the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Safety concerns after the June stampede force Bengaluru out of the Women’s ODI World Cup

The change comes after the Karnataka government declined to grant permission for hosting games in Bengaluru due to safety concerns following the tragic June 4 stampede during Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s IPL victory celebrations. The incident, which claimed 11 lives and left over 50 injured, led to a government-appointed inquiry that found the Chinnaswamy Stadium “unsuitable and unsafe” for mass gatherings.

The Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission’s report cited flaws in the stadium’s design and structure, warning that high-attendance events posed “unacceptable risks” to public safety, traffic management, and emergency preparedness. The findings have already forced the KSCA to shift the domestic Maharaja T20 Trophy and Maharani T20 matches to Mysuru and Alur, respectively.

ALSO SEE: Tom Bruce switches allegiance from New Zealand to Scotland for World Cup League 2

Bengaluru had been slated to host five matches, including the high-profile tournament opener between India and Sri Lanka on September 30, as well as one semi-final and potentially the final on November 2. England vs South Africa (October 3) and India vs Bangladesh (October 26) were among other key fixtures scheduled in the city, alongside two warm-up games.

Thiruvananthapuram joins host cities as the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup heads to the sub-continent

With the venue change, the ICC is expected to release an updated schedule soon. Sources indicate that Thiruvananthapuram was favoured over Hyderabad due to favourable weather conditions in late September and its proximity to Colombo, another tournament venue.

While the Greenfield Stadium has yet to host women’s international cricket, it boasts experience from staging four men’s T20Is, two ODIs, youth internationals, and serving as a warm-up venue for the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup. However, rain washed out the men’s warm-up matches in that tournament.

The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup will be played in a round-robin format among eight teams - Australia (defending champions), Bangladesh, England, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, and Sri Lanka, with matches spread across Visakhapatnam, Indore, Guwahati, Colombo, and now Thiruvananthapuram.

This edition will also mark the first women’s global cricket event in the sub-continent since the 2016 Women’s T20 World Cup and the first Women’s ODI World Cup in India since 2013.