As the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India draws closer, the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 is reaching its thrilling conclusion. The tournament, designed to identify the top teams that will compete at the pinnacle of women’s ODI cricket, has left two automatic qualification spots up for grabs.
Spanning three years (2022-2025) and featuring ten teams, the competition determines which five teams, in addition to hosts India, will directly qualify for the World Cup. With each team playing eight three-match ODI series, the stakes couldn’t be higher as the championship approaches its final stages.
Hosts Bangladesh made headlines with a 3-0 clean sweep over Ireland in Mirpur. The series began with a bang as Bangladesh bowled out Ireland for a mere 98 runs in the opening game. Riding on Sharmin Akhter’s stellar 96 off 89 balls, Bangladesh secured an emphatic 154-run victory. In the second match, skipper Nigar Sultana showcased her class with a composed 40 off 39 balls, guiding her side to a series-clinching win. By the time the third ODI came around, Akhter continued her exceptional form, scoring 72 off 88 balls to help Bangladesh chase the target with more than 12 overs to spare.
Akhter finished as the leading run-scorer with 211 runs, while Sultana Khatun topped the bowling charts, taking seven wickets. The series win has not only bolstered Bangladesh’s confidence but also enhanced their chances in the ICC Women’s Championship points table, making them serious contenders for an automatic qualification spot. Here’s an in-depth analysis of each team’s prospects as the current cycle nears its conclusion.
ICC Women’s Championship 2022/23-25:
Australia
Australia remains the undisputed leader of the ICC Women’s Championship, sitting comfortably at the top with 30 points. The reigning World Cup champions have been nothing short of dominant, having lost only three ODIs in this cycle. With five matches remaining, including two against India and three against New Zealand, the Aussies have the opportunity to finish with a maximum of 40 points.
Their recent opening win against India in the current series has reinforced their position as favorites to clinch the Women’s Championship title for the third consecutive time. A strong finish in the remaining matches will not only secure their top spot but also cement their status as the team to beat heading into the World Cup.
England
Trailing Australia by two points, England sits second on the table with 28 points. However, their aspirations for the top spot took a hit following a loss in the opening match of their series against South Africa. With two ODIs remaining in this cycle, England has a chance to reach a maximum of 32 points.
The series against South Africa provides an opportunity for redemption. If England wins both matches, they could potentially challenge Australia for the top position, provided the Aussies falter in their remaining games. However, much depends on how other results play out, particularly India’s performances in their upcoming matches.
India
India occupies third place on the points table with 25 points, trailing England by three points. A recent 2-1 series victory against New Zealand showcased the team’s potential, but a defeat in the opening ODI against Australia in their current series has put added pressure on Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad.
India’s remaining fixtures include two more matches against Australia, followed by three-game series at home against West Indies and Ireland. These games present an opportunity for India to accumulate points and possibly surpass both England and Australia. If they win all their remaining matches, they could finish with a maximum of 41 points, ensuring a strong position ahead of the World Cup. It is to be noted that India as hosts have already qualified for the World Cup.
South Africa
Currently tied with India at 25 points, South Africa has already secured their spot in the World Cup. However, their campaign has been marked by ups and downs, including a 3-0 series defeat against India earlier this year.
Their final series of the cycle is against England at home, where they have already made a strong start with a six-wicket win in Kimberley. While they are no longer in contention for the top spot, the Proteas will aim to end their campaign on a high note, reinforcing their position as one of the top teams in women’s cricket.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka finds itself in a precarious position with 22 points and no matches left to play. A shock 2-1 series defeat against Ireland in August has left their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Currently occupying one of the two remaining automatic qualification spots, Sri Lanka’s fate now depends entirely on the results of other teams. Any slip-ups by New Zealand, Bangladesh, or West Indies could work in their favor, but they face the prospect of a nervous wait as the competition progresses.
New Zealand
The White Ferns are currently sixth on the table with 20 points, leaving them in a challenging position. Their final series of the cycle is a daunting three-match contest against Australia at home.
A disappointing 2-1 series loss against India has left New Zealand with a slim chance of direct qualification. To secure one of the remaining spots, they will need a near-perfect performance against the Aussies, a task easier said than done. If they fall short, New Zealand will likely have to participate in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Qualifier in 2025.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s recent series sweep against Ireland has brought them back into contention, placing them seventh with 19 points. With a three-match series against West Indies still to come, they have a genuine opportunity to climb the table.
Trailing New Zealand by just one point and Sri Lanka by three, Bangladesh’s destiny is in their hands. A strong performance in the series against the Windies could secure their place in the top six, capping off an impressive campaign.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship has been one to forget. With just 17 points and no matches remaining, their hopes of direct qualification have been dashed.
A string of poor performances, including a 3-0 series loss to West Indies at home and a 2-0 defeat against England, has left them languishing near the bottom of the table. Pakistan will need to regroup and focus on the qualifiers for any chance of making it to the World Cup.
West Indies
The West Indies are still in with a chance, despite sitting ninth with 14 points. With six matches remaining, including three against India and three against Bangladesh, the Windies have a slim but realistic chance of securing a top six finish.
To do so, they will need to win at least five of their remaining games, a daunting task considering their inconsistent form. However, a strong finish could see them defy the odds and book their spot in the World Cup.
Ireland
Ireland’s maiden campaign in the ICC Women’s Championship has been a tough learning experience. With just 8 points from 16 matches, they are already out of contention for direct qualification.
Their final series is a three-match contest against India in January, offering them a chance to end their campaign on a positive note. While they won’t be part of the World Cup next year, Ireland can take valuable lessons from this experience as they build for the future.
As the ICC Women’s Championship enters its final stages, the race for the remaining World Cup spots promises to deliver thrilling contests. With so much at stake, every run and wicket will matter as teams battle for cricketing glory.
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