The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifier 2025, hosted by Pakistan, concluded with an exciting display of competitive cricket and emerging talent that puts the spotlight firmly on the growing strength of women’s cricket globally. Six teams, Pakistan, Bangladesh, West Indies, Scotland, Ireland, and Thailand, battled it out fiercely for just two coveted spots at the upcoming ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India, scheduled for September-October.
After a gripping tournament held on home soil, Pakistan and Bangladesh emerged triumphant, booking their tickets to the prestigious World Cup, but not without intense competition and remarkable individual performances from all sides.
Hosted in Pakistan, this qualifier tournament represented more than just a pathway to the World Cup; it symbolised the rise of women’s cricket in the region and beyond. The format was straightforward: each team played five games in a round-robin league, with points determining the top two teams to advance. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere electric as nations sought to etch their names on the global stage.
Pakistan, the hosts, dominated proceedings with an unbeaten 5-0 run, asserting their authority and showcasing a blend of experience and youthful exuberance. Bangladesh followed with a solid campaign, finishing second and securing qualification. The West Indies, Scotland, Ireland, and Thailand fought valiantly but fell short of qualification, each team providing glimpses of promise and future potential.
All-round Pakistan signs off unbeaten
Pakistan’s campaign was nothing short of spectacular. Under the leadership of skipper Fatima Sana, they remained unbeaten across all five fixtures, amassing an impeccable 10 points. Fatima Sana’s captaincy was complemented by her outstanding bowling, claiming 12 wickets at an average of 12.25 and an economy rate of 3.97, including a four-wicket haul, making her the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the tournament.
The batting frontline was spearheaded by Sidra Amin, who scored 225 runs at a commanding average of 45, striking at 59.84. Her consistency was evident, boasting three half-centuries that anchored Pakistan’s innings time and again. The team’s overall balanced performance, combining clinical bowling and dependable batting, was key to their clean sweep.
Resilient Bangladesh secure 2nd spot at 2025 Qualifier
Bangladesh’s campaign was marked by grit and steady progress. Led by skipper Nigar Sultana Joty, the team earned 6 points with three wins and two losses, including defeats only at the hands of Pakistan and West Indies. Bangladesh’s star batter, Sharmin Akhter, was a revelation, scoring 266 runs at an impressive average of 66.50 and a strike rate of 70.74. Sharmin’s three half-centuries provided critical momentum in many matches.
In the bowling department, Jannatul Ferdus emerged as a vital force, taking nine wickets with an average of 18.33. She also notched her maiden five-wicket haul in the format, underscoring her rising stature. Bangladesh’s performance confirmed their growing stature in women’s cricket and highlighted their potential to challenge the best in the world.
A journey of so near, yet so far for Windies
The West Indies team, led by the dynamic Hayley Matthews, narrowly missed out on qualification despite finishing with the same points as Bangladesh (6) but placed third. Their campaign featured three wins and two losses, including a heavy defeat to Pakistan and a surprising loss to Scotland.
Hayley Matthews was the heartbeat of the team, dominating with both bat and ball. She was the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 13 wickets at an average of 15.84 and an economy rate of 4.46, including two four-wicket hauls. With the bat, she amassed 240 runs at a striking 116.5, including a magnificent century and a half-century, finishing as the fourth-highest run-scorer overall. Matthews’ all-round brilliance made her one of the tournament’s standout players, and West Indies will be eager to build around her in future events.
A Promising show from Scotland, captain Kathryn Bryce at the forefront
Finishing fourth with 4 points, Scotland staged a notable campaign that included a landmark series of personal records. Under skipper Kathryn Bryce, Scotland claimed two crucial victories against the West Indies and Thailand.
Bryce was the tournament’s highest run-scorer with a phenomenal 293 runs at an incredible average of 73.25 and a strike rate of 94.21. Her innings featured two half-centuries and a majestic maiden ODI century, 131* off 137 balls, which set the record for Scotland’s highest individual ODI score.
With the ball, Katherine Fraser was Scotland’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 19.80, consistently applying pressure on opponents. Scotland’s balanced side showed great promise but lacked the extra edge needed to secure a World Cup berth.
Steady contributions, but Ireland falls short
Ireland finished fifth on the table with 4 points, claiming two wins against Thailand and Scotland. They were captained by Gaby Lewis, whose batting displayed admirable consistency. She scored 221 runs at an average of 44.20 and a strike rate of 73.66, including two half-centuries, showing that she could anchor innings under pressure.
The bowling spearhead was Jane Maguire, who took 8 wickets at an average of 18.87 and an economy rate of 4.19, ranking her among the joint 5th highest wicket-takers of the tournament. Ireland’s campaign highlighted the need for more breakthroughs and deeper batting contributions to climb the ranks in future qualifiers.
A challenging campaign for Thailand, but individuals shine bright
Thailand endured a tough tournament, finishing winless with five defeats. Despite the results, they showcased fighting spirit and glimpses of burgeoning talent.
Skipper Naruemol Chaiwai led admirably, with Natthakan Chantham standing out as Thailand’s top run-scorer with 157 runs at a 31.40 average and a strike rate of 71.04, including two half-centuries. Their bowling attack was led by Thipatcha Putthawong, who took 8 wickets at an average of 26.62 but with a comparatively higher economy rate of 5.19. Though results were disappointing, Thailand’s players gained invaluable experience at the highest level, setting the stage for an improved showing going forward.
The Positive Impact and the Bright Future that lies ahead
This qualifier was a testament to the rapid evolution of women’s cricket, featuring thrilling matches, emerging stars, and growing competitiveness. Pakistan’s dominance signals their readiness to challenge the elite at the World Cup, while Bangladesh’s qualification underscores their steady rise. Both teams will carry the hopes of their nations to India, aiming to make impactful runs.
For the West Indies, Scotland, Ireland, and Thailand, the tournament was a valuable learning experience, highlighting areas to sharpen for future success. With young talents like Hayley Matthews, Kathryn Bryce, and Gaby Lewis leading their respective sides, the future of the game looks promising.
Most runs in Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025:
| Player | Country | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s | 50s |
| Kathryn Bryce | Scotland | 5 | 5 | 293 | 73.25 | 94.21 | 1 | 2 |
| Sharmin Akhter | Bangladesh | 5 | 5 | 266 | 66.5 | 70.74 | 0 | 3 |
| Nigar Sultana Joty | Bangladesh | 5 | 5 | 241 | 60.25 | 108.07 | 1 | 2 |
| Hayley Matthews | West Indies | 5 | 5 | 240 | 60 | 116.5 | 1 | 1 |
| Sidra Amin | Pakistan | 5 | 5 | 225 | 45 | 59.84 | 0 | 3 |
Most wickets in Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025:
| Player | Country | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Maidens | Average | Economy | BBI |
| Hayley Matthews | West Indies | 5 | 5 | 13 | 1 | 15.84 | 4.46 | (4/24) |
| Fatima Sana | Pakistan | 5 | 5 | 12 | 0 | 12.25 | 3.97 | (4/23) |
| Aaliyah Alleyne | West Indies | 5 | 5 | 12 | 2 | 13.66 | 5.46 | (4/39) |
| Nashra Sandhu | Pakistan | 5 | 5 | 10 | 3 | 15.6 | 3.54 | (3/19) |
| Fatherine Fraser | Scotland | 5 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 19.8 | 4.35 | (3/28) |
Highest individual scores in Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025:
| Player | Country | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate | 4s | 6s | Opposition |
| Kathryn Bryce | Scotland | 131* | 137 | 95.62 | 14 | 2 | Ireland |
| Hayley Matthews | West Indies | 114* | 113 | 100.88 | 14 | 0 | Scotland |
| Nigar Sultana Joty | Bangladesh | 101 | 80 | 126.25 | 15 | 1 | Thailand |
| Sharmin Akhter | Bangladesh | 94 | 126 | 74.6 | 11 | 0 | Thailand |
| Sidra Amin | Pakistan | 80 | 105 | 76.19 | 9 | 0 | Thailand |
Best bowling figures in an innings in Women’s World Cup Qualifier 2025:
| Player | Country | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy | Opposition |
| Jannatul Ferdus | Bangladesh | 5 | 3 | 7 | 5 | 1.4 | Thailand |
| Fahima Khatun | Bangladesh | 8.5 | 1 | 21 | 5 | 2.37 | Thailand |
| Louise Little | Ireland | 9.1 | 0 | 28 | 5 | 3.05 | Thailand |
| Afy Fletcher | West Indies | 10 | 1 | 20 | 4 | 2 | Thailand |
| Fatima Sana | Pakistan | 5 | 0 | 23 | 4 | 4.6 | Scotland |
As the cricketing world turns its eyes toward the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the performances and stories from this qualifier remind us that women’s cricket is thriving on passion, skill, and resilience. The continued growth of the sport will only enrich global competitions, promising greater thrills and inspiring new generations.
In summary, the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2025 in Pakistan was a landmark event filled with excitement, historic milestones, and a celebration of cricketing excellence. It laid the foundation for a thrilling World Cup in India and showcased an inspiring competitive spirit among the emerging and established cricketing nations in the women’s game.
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