Not that the Aussies powerhouse has slackened. They have maintained a consistent pace that you would expect from them since winning the most recent World Cup, with 26 victories in 30 ODIs. However, there has been a minor setback to their champions’ style during this run, as they lost by 102 runs (their largest by margin of runs) and gave up 300 runs in an ODI for the first time.
Alyssa Healy said just days ago in Bengaluru about what many have already sensed: that the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup might end up being one of the best ever, with more teams vying for the title. There are’seven others’ in the mix in her counts. This might be a victory for nations like England and India, who have worked hard to close the gap with the World Cup giants since the 2022 edition. However, the same core team still plays for Australia, the seven-time champs. Over the course of the following five weeks, any discussion of improvement or assertion that the gap is closing will be strictly scrutinised.
They still go into the World Cup with an attitude that only the best can have, having just defeated India in India. Healy’s statement, “I don’t think it’s quite in the Australian culture to get too complacent about things at any point in time,” had the undertone of caution and served as a reminder of Australia’s unrelenting thirst for awards.
Australia already has seven ODI World Cups in its full cabinet. However, an eighth would be more than a mere addition. Australia hasn’t won consecutive ODI World Cup championships since 1988. Let there be no illusions about Australia’s dominance in the 50-over format, Healy and her team of champions have the chance to put an end to that wait.
How they were eligible: Out of the five teams, Australia advanced to the ICC Women’s Championship 2022–25 as the top team. After playing 24 ODIs over the course of three years, they finished first in that table with 18 victories and just three defeats.
Squad: Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham, Alyssa Healy (c), and Tahlia McGrath (vc)
Aussies feels self-sustaining as they enter another World Cup.
Sophie Molineux returns from knee surgery to join a diverse cast that includes Alana King, Ashleigh Gardner, and Georgia Wareham. Phoebe Litchfield, 22, Molineux, Kim Garth, Wareham, and Georgia Voll all enter their maiden ODI World Cup. However, they are all protected by the abundance of experience in their surroundings. While Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Gardner, and Annabel Sutherland appear ready for another run at the trophy, Healy has left behind an injury-plagued summer of 2024–25. Australia still exudes an air of inevitable doom despite this minor cast change.
Pay attention to: Phoebe Litchfield
At the top of the order, the youthful and daring left-handed opener possesses a quiver of inventive strokes. Litchfield has confidently resorted to sweeps and reverse-sweeps in a variety of formats and tournaments. She also possesses a comfort level against spin that should help her in the subcontinent. With an outstanding strike rate of 82.95, the 2003-born hitter has amassed 983 runs in 29 ODIs.
Litchfield’s quad injury kept him out of the final two ODIs against India in New Chandigarh earlier this month, but he made a smooth comeback with a 48-ball 71 in the Bengaluru warm-up match against England.
Marquee match: In the second half of October, there will be a reunion matchup versus England, the 2022 finalists and long-time rivals. However, that might not even come close to the excitement of an earlier match against India in Visakhapatnam. In this event, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad is anticipated to persevere and challenge Aussies dominance. Harmanpreet acknowledges that she is the leader of a devout group of people who believe that Australia can be defeated at any time.
Given the threat of elimination, their league encounter on October 12 may serve as a precursor, establishing the tone and goals before their paths may cross once more.
Their Final destination in 2022: On the podium, holding the glittering trophy in the air, for the seventh time, is where history frequently saves a spot for them in competitions such as these.
Final result predicted: Champions.
Healy’s squad continues to set the benchmark that everyone else is pursuing, even though others may be catching up. Of the 15 players selected, 10 has the expertise and renown of 2022 and are accustomed to managing high-stakes, high-pressure situations. In just over a month, they should be able to win their ninth ODI World Cup, even if they are run close.
India
