Women's World Cup: India face unbeaten England in must-win clash
What's the story
India will take on England in a crucial ICC Women's World Cup 2025 match on Sunday, October 19. The game is set to be held at the Holkar Stadium, Indore. The Indian women's cricket team has had a week-long break since their last match but is coming off two consecutive defeats against Australia and South Africa. With just four points from four games, they need to win this contest to avoid their next two matches becoming knockout situations.
Match preview
England yet to lose a match
England, on the other hand, are yet to lose a match in this tournament. They have been led by head coach Charlotte Edwards and captain Nat Sciver-Brunt. Despite their batting woes, with only Heather Knight and Sciver-Brunt showing resilience required for such events, England's spinners have taken 24 of the 30 wickets at this World Cup.
Spin threat
India's struggle against left-arm spin
India's top order has struggled against left-arm spin in this World Cup, losing 15 wickets to it, as per ESPNcricinfo. England have two left-arm spinners, Sophie Ecclestone and Linsey Smith. Both Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur have fallen prey to these spinners multiple times in the past. Despite their struggles, India are known for their aggressive approach toward left-arm spin bowling.
Team news
Changes on the cards for both teams
India may replace Amanjot Kaur with Renuka Singh, who missed training on both days leading up to the match. Meanwhile, England are likely to bring back Ecclestone and Lauren Bell, who were ruled out of the Pakistan game due to illness. The match will be played on a red-soil pitch known for its bounce and carry.
Likely teams
A look at the probable XIs
India likely XI: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh. England likely XI: Tammy Beaumont, Amy Jones (wk), Heather Knight, Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain), Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, Emma Lamb, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell.
Stats
Here are the key stats
In 112 matches, Mandhana owns 5,022 runs at 47.37 with 13 tons and 33 fifties under her belt. In 47 matches, Richa Ghosh has scored 1,073 runs at 29.80 (50s: 7). In 125 matches, Sciver-Brunt has managed 4,245 runs at 46.64 with 10 tons and 25 fifties. Notably, Sciver Brunt is 42 shy of 1,000 World Cup runs. Sophie Ecclestone has bagged 134 wickets in WODIs. She is three shy of becoming the 2nd-highest wicket-taker for England.