The twenty-sixth fixture of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 promises an exciting showdown as Australia Women face South Africa Women on October 25th at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore. The match is set to begin at 3:00 PM IST, with the winner clinching the top spot and a semi-final clash against fourth-placed India.
Australia arrives in outstanding form, having begun their campaign with an 89-run win over New Zealand, followed by a rain-affected encounter against Sri Lanka. They overcame 115/8 against Pakistan with a brilliant Mooney–King partnership, restricting them to 114. Their chase of 331 against India was executed with an over to spare. They then dismantled Bangladesh by 10 wickets and chased 245 against England comfortably, finishing with 6 wickets in hand and 9.3 overs to spare.
South Africa’s journey started on a tough note, being bowled out for 69 and losing to England by 10 wickets. They bounced back with a six-wicket win over New Zealand, a last-over thriller against India, and successive victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, including a 10-wicket triumph. A rain-hit game against Pakistan saw them register a dominant 150-run victory.
Squads:
Australia Women’s Cricket Team
Alyssa Healy (C), Darcie Brown, Ash Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham
South Africa Women’s Cricket Team
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase
Players to watch out:
Beth Mooney
One of Australia’s most dependable batters, Mooney thrives under pressure. She scored 109 vs Pakistan to rescue Australia from a collapse, and has a career tally of 2931 runs in 90 ODIs, with a best of 138. Her calm temperament and ability to anchor innings make her a key player.
Kim Garth
The versatile all-rounder has been quietly effective with both bat and ball. Notable performances include 38 runs vs New Zealand and 3/14 vs Pakistan, although her recent outings against India and England have been quiet. With 607 runs and 62 wickets in 62 ODIs, her dual skills make her a match-winner.
Laura Wolvaardt
The South African captain has been consistent despite a slow start in the tournament. She struck 70 against India, 60* against Sri Lanka, and 90 against Pakistan, boasting 4921 runs in 116 ODIs at an average of 48.50, with a career-best of 184*.
Marizanne Kapp
A world-class allrounder, Kapp delivers under pressure with both bat and ball. Her recent contributions include 68 and 3/20 vs Pakistan* and 56 vs Bangladesh. From 159 ODIs, she has accumulated 3465 runs (best: 121*) and taken 175 wickets (best: 5/45), proving invaluable in crunch situations.
Pitch:
The Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore is known for high-scoring encounters, offering true bounce and a quick outfield. As the match progresses, spinners gain assistance, making them effective in the middle overs. Teams winning the toss usually prefer to bat first, with the average first-innings score around 280. On average, nine wickets fall per innings, providing a balanced contest between bat and ball.
Weather:
Indore is expected to witness light rain with temperatures around 28°C. Rain interruptions are unlikely, with only a 30% chance of precipitation, though humidity may rise up to 73%. Gentle winds at 14 kph could assist pacers early, especially under lights.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Ash Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Kim Garth, Alana King, Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Marizanne Kapp, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Chloe Tryon
Match Details:
Date – October 25, 2025
Time – 3:00 PM IST
Venue – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Broadcast – Live on Star Sports Network | Streaming on JioHotstar
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