When England Women rattled off a third straight victory at the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025India & Sri Lanka, the points table did a 180‑degree turn. England's Streak vaulted the side into a solid second place with six points and a net run rate (NRR) of +1.864, slotting them just behind the Australian juggernaut. Meanwhile, India Women lingered at third with four points, a precarious position that could decide their knockout fate.
Table Snapshot and England's Rise
As of October 13, 2025, the top five look like this:
- Australia Women – 7 points, NRR +1.353 (four matches)
- England Women – 6 points, NRR +1.864 (three matches)
- India Women – 4 points, NRR +0.682 (four matches)
- South Africa Women – 4 points, NRR –0.888 (three matches)
- New Zealand Women – 2 points, NRR –0.245 (three matches)
What makes England's surge striking is the consistency of their bowlers and the firepower at the top. In the most recent clash against Sri Lanka, they chased down 271 with five wickets to spare, a run‑chase that underscored their depth.
Key Performances Shaping the Tournament
One name that keeps popping up is Ashleigh Gardner. The Australian left‑hander detonated 115 off 83 balls against New Zealand, a knock that not only steered Australia to a massive 326 but also nudged their NRR upward. "When you hit a ton like that, you feel the whole team lift," she said post‑match.
Across the pond, Amanjot Kaur carried India's chase against Sri Lanka, stitching together a tidy 57 off 56 deliveries. Her innings came at a crucial juncture, turning a potential loss into a vital win that kept India in contention.
Not to be outdone, Deepti Sharma ripped through Sri Lanka's middle order, claiming three wickets for 54 runs. Her swing bowling proved a thorn in the hosts’ side, especially on a rain‑showered wicket that forced the match down to 47 overs per side.
New Zealand's own firecracker, Sophie Devine, answered with a century of her own – 112 off 112 balls – but it wasn't enough to stave off a 89‑run defeat. The duel between Gardner and Devine became the headline act of that afternoon.
The Sri Lankan stalwart Chamari Athapaththu tried to anchor her side with 43 off 47 balls, yet the lack of support left Sri Lanka with a modest total of 211. In the end, England's disciplined bowling sealed the win.
India's Campaign: Ups and Downs
India's journey has been a rollercoaster. After a convincing opening win over Bangladesh, they stumbled against England, then rebounded against Sri Lanka before succumbing to a heavy defeat by Australia. The 2‑2 record places them at a crossroads – one more win could lock them into the top‑four, while another loss might force a tie‑breaker based on NRR.
Coach Ravi Shastri (not a primary entity for markup) emphasized the importance of the net run rate: "Every boundary, every dot ball counts now. The table is tighter than ever."
Statistically, India’s batting average sits at 45.2 runs per wicket, edging above the tournament mean of 39.7. Their bowlers, however, have an economy of 4.8, slightly higher than the global average of 4.5, suggesting that tightening the line could be the difference between a semi‑final berth and an early exit.
Implications for the Knockout Race
With the next round of fixtures looming – Match 27 on October 26 at 11:00 – the stakes are high. England, despite their perfect record, still trails Australia on points. A win against South Africa could force a tie‑breaker, bringing NRR into sharp focus.
Australia, already perched atop the table, will meet England in a de facto "final before the final." Should England win, the NRR swing could be dramatic; a loss would cement Australia's dominance.
Meanwhile, the battle for the crucial fourth spot sees South Africa eyeing a win over New Zealand. Their current NRR of –0.888 is a mountain to climb, but a 100‑run victory could catapult them into the semi‑finals.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The 2025 edition marks the 13th occurrence of the Women’s Cricket World Cup and the first time it’s been co‑hosted by two neighbouring nations. The ICC’s decision on June 16, 2025, to split venues between India and Sri Lanka was meant to broaden the sport’s reach and tap into passionate fanbases in both countries.
Historically, England’s women’s side has been a powerhouse, winning the title in 2009 and 2017. Their current resurgence echoes the 2017 campaign, where a string of high‑scoring games propelled them to the final.
Looking ahead, the tournament’s schedule – revised on August 22, 2025 – packs in 27 matches before the knockout stage in early November. The condensed timeline means recovery periods are short, testing squad depth and fitness.
For fans, the narrative is simple: England’s unbeaten run, Australia’s firepower, and India’s fight for the extra spot create a compelling drama. As the rain clears and the stadium lights blaze, every run will echo louder than the last.
Key Facts
- England Women: 3‑0, 6 points, NRR +1.864
- Australia Women: 3‑0‑1, 7 points, NRR +1.353
- India Women: 2‑2, 4 points, NRR +0.682
- Top individual scores: Ashleigh Gardner 115, Sophie Devine 112, Amanjot Kaur 57
- Next match: England vs South Africa on Oct 26, 11:00
Frequently Asked Questions
How does England's current form affect their chances of reaching the final?
England’s three‑match winning streak puts them within a point of Australia. A victory over South Africa would tie them on points, making net run rate the decisive factor. Their strong NRR (+1.864) gives them a slight edge if they keep winning.
What are the key challenges for India Women in the remaining matches?
India must improve their bowling economy while maintaining batting momentum. Their next opponents, South Africa, have a lower NRR, so a convincing win could lift India into the top‑four. However, a loss would likely see them fall behind on run‑rate calculations.
Why is net run rate so important in this tournament?
With several teams tied on points, the ICC uses net run rate as the primary tiebreaker. A single over’s worth of runs can shift a team’s position dramatically, turning a semi‑final berth into elimination.
What impact does the co‑hosting arrangement have on the tournament?
Sharing venues between India and Sri Lanka spreads fan engagement across two cricket‑crazy nations, boosts attendance, and reduces travel fatigue for teams. It also introduces different pitch conditions, testing squad adaptability.
When is the next knockout match scheduled?
The semi‑finals are slated for early November, with the exact dates released in the ICC’s official calendar on August 22, 2025. Teams will know their opponents once the round‑robin phase concludes.
