The Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 has already produced breathtaking drama, record-breaking feats, and unforgettable performances. As teams vie for knockout spots, certain highlights are standing out — moments that tell the story of a tournament growing in intensity and meaning.
Record-breaking turnout at the opener
PHOTO: ICC
The opening day of the tournament in Guwahati made a powerful statement. When India faced Sri Lanka, a record 22,843 spectators filled the stands — surpassing the previous best crowd of 15,935 set during the India-Pakistan clash at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai.
According to an ICC press release issued on October 9, demand continues to grow as the tournament unfolds. India’s two remaining group-stage fixtures — against New Zealand and Bangladesh at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai — are nearing full capacity. The India vs New Zealand fixture on October 23 (Thursday) is already 90% sold, while 82% of seats have been filled for the India vs Bangladesh match on October 26.
De Klerk’s all-round blaze in Visakhapatnam
South Africa’s Nadine de Klerk grabbed the headlines in a tense contest against India. Coming in at number eight, she unleashed a blistering 84 not out off 54 balls, with 8 fours and 5 sixes, guiding her team to a thrilling three-wicket victory — sealed with seven balls to spare. Her fearless batting changed the game’s momentum.
But she didn’t stop there. With her medium-pace bowling, she claimed key wickets, preventing India’s middle order from regaining control. It was a complete performance — a rescue act, a statement, and a match-winning display all in one.
Ghosh’s blazing counterattack rewrites history
PHOTO: ICC
When India’s innings looked in tatters at 102 for 6, rising star Richa Ghosh took matters into her own hands. She smashed 94 runs off 77 balls, weaving through the attack with 11 boundaries and 4 sixes. Her fearless assault from the No. 8 position earned her the record for the highest score by a number-eight or lower in women’s ODIs.
India’s fragile top order under pressure
PHOTO: ICC
A recurring theme through the tournament has been India’s top order failing to lay a solid foundation. In multiple matches — notably against South Africa — early wickets have repeatedly derailed their plans. Those collapses have forced other batters like Ghosh into rescue mode.
On surfaces offering turn or variable bounce, a shaky top order becomes even more costly. For India, the key challenge now is stabilizing that unit before the knockout rounds arrive.
Swinging momentum, tight margins
The overarching narrative of this World Cup has become one of shifting momentum and fine margins. From De Klerk’s finish to Ghosh’s recovery, each game has hinged on moments — a dropped catch, a sudden burst of spin, or a boundary at just the right time.
As the group stage edges toward its climax, teams that can seize momentum early, stay composed under pressure, and execute their plans over 100 overs will separate themselves. The semifinals are shaping up to be not just a battle of skills, but a test of nerves and timing.
As of October 11, all eight teams remain in contention for the semifinal spots, with Australia leading the table on five points from three matches, remaining unbeaten so far. Pakistan, on the other hand, sit at the bottom without a point after three games.
The eight-team tournament, returning to India after 12 years, marks the first ICC women’s global event in the subcontinent since the 2016 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. The competition began in Guwahati on September 30.
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