As the countdown begins for the 13th edition of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, five-time World Cup-winning captain Meg Lanning has weighed in with her thoughts on the title race, pointing out Harmanpreet Kaur-led India as the standout contender to watch out for.
The global event, to be staged across India and Sri Lanka from 30 September to 2 November 2025, brings together eight competitive teams: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. With each side already unveiling their squads, the build-up has intensified, and Lanning believes that while Australia remains a stronghold, the battle for supremacy has never been closer in women’s cricket.
India: The Team to Beat
In her assessment, Lanning was emphatic about India’s potential on home soil. “I think India is a significant challenge to everybody. Talent-wise, they are as good as anyone, and I think they’re really starting to understand how to win,” said the former Aussie captain, highlighting a shift in mentality that could prove decisive. She praised Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and the side’s growing bank of experience, insisting, “If they put it together and play well, I don’t think anyone can actually get close to them there. They’re very good.”
India will open the tournament against Sri Lanka in Guwahati on 30th September, riding the momentum from their pre-World Cup home series against Australia. As hosts, conditions will favour their spinners and stroke-makers, and their maturity in high-pressure contests could make them one of the tournament’s prime challengers.
South Africa: Rising in Big Moments
Lanning also pointed to South Africa’s growing reputation as big-tournament performers. Led by the elegant Laura Wolvaardt, the Proteas face a stern opener against England on 3rd October in Guwahati. “South Africa have done pretty well in recent World Cups. They seem to be able to get it together when it’s important,” noted Lanning. With a strong pace attack and dependable batting unit, the side has earned a reputation for resilience, and this edition could offer them their best chance yet to step out of the semifinal shadow.
They had one of their best finishes in the league stages of the tournament, finding themselves placed 2nd with 11 points from 7 games, including five victories, a defeat and a washed-out game in the league stages, and were only behind unbeaten Australia in the previous edition, hosted in New Zealand in 2022.
England: Consistent Heavyweights
England, under the leadership of Nat Sciver-Brunt, was another side identified by Lanning as a perennial challenger. “You’ve got England, who are always strong,” she remarked. The 2017 champions possess a balanced blend of seasoned internationals and upcoming talent, maintaining a competitive edge across departments. Their group-stage match against South Africa will be an early litmus test, setting the tone for their campaign. With a history of adapting well to subcontinental conditions, England are seen as one of the safest bets for a deep run into the tournament.
New Zealand: Dangerous Dark Horses
Lanning warned against underestimating New Zealand, captained by Sophie Devine. Their opening encounter comes against Australia on 1st October in Indore. “You can never write off New Zealand, they showed in that T20 World Cup recently that if you time your run really nicely, then you never know what can happen,” said Lanning, referencing the White Ferns’ stunning 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, their maiden title in the T20I format. That momentum, coupled with their unpredictable flair, makes them dangerous floaters in the eight-team race.
Australia: Still The Benchmark
Though Lanning acknowledged growing competition, she did not shy away from rooting for her own side. “Australia has dominated a lot of it, but it’s certainly not a foregone conclusion. I’d still love Australia to win, obviously,” she admitted. Under Alyssa Healy, Australia will open their campaign against New Zealand in Indore, and as seven-time champions, they remain the yardstick. Their squad depth, tournament temperament, and habit of dictating crunch moments will once again underpin their push for another title.
A Wide-Open Battle
As the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 draws near, Lanning’s words reflect the competitive energy shaping modern women’s cricket. India at home, England and South Africa’s consistency, New Zealand’s X-factor, and Australia’s unmatched legacy create a captivating equation for fans. “That’s the beauty of the game, there are some really competitive sides out there,” Lanning observed. With eight teams preparing for a five-week spectacle, one thing is certain: this World Cup promises to be the most fiercely contested edition yet.
(Quotes sourced from ICC Official)
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