The stage is set for a cricketing spectacle as the Indian women’s team gears up for the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, with anticipation and excitement running high across the nation. Before the main event kicks off, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad faces one final test—a warm-up clash against New Zealand Women at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on September 27. For both teams, this encounter is more than just a tune-up; it’s a chance to iron out the creases and build momentum ahead of a tournament that promises high drama, fierce rivalries, and dreams of glory.
India’s journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Their first warm-up fixture against England saw them stumble, bowled out for 187 in pursuit of a daunting 340 for nine. The 153-run defeat was a wake-up call, exposing areas that need urgent attention. Yet, as any seasoned cricket watcher knows, a team’s mettle is often forged in adversity. New Zealand, too, arrive in Bengaluru licking their wounds after a surprise defeat at the hands of the India A side in their own warm-up opener. With both sides eager to shake off early jitters, today’s match carries extra significance.
The action at the BCCI Centre of Excellence begins at 3:00 PM IST, following a 2:30 PM toss. While fans in India won’t be able to catch the live telecast on TV, they can follow every twist and turn via live scores and updates on the Sportstar website. The lack of a broadcast hasn’t dampened the buzz, especially with the World Cup being hosted on Indian soil for the first time since 2013. Back then, India finished a disappointing seventh, but much has changed in women’s cricket over the past twelve years. Investment, interest, and expectations have soared, creating a new era for the sport.
At the heart of India’s campaign is Harmanpreet Kaur, a veteran now playing her fifth World Cup. For Kaur, the privilege of leading her country at home is not lost. “I think leading your country is always a very special moment for any player, but leading your country in an ODI World Cup is even more special, and on top of that, it is a home World Cup, so it’s even more special,” she reflected during the captains’ meet. “It’s all about enjoying this moment and not taking too much pressure.”
India will open their World Cup account against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Guwahati on September 30, with the high-voltage clash against Pakistan scheduled for October 5 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The latter, always a highlight on the cricket calendar, comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a string of controversies from the ongoing Asia Cup men’s tournament. Yet, Kaur is resolute in her focus. “We’re here to play cricket, and our main focus is on cricket. We’re not going to entertain anything else on the field because we’re here to play the game,” she told reporters in Bengaluru. “We can only control things that we can control.”
Her message is echoed by her teammates, who are determined not to let off-field drama distract them. “We don’t even discuss those things in the dressing room. We are only here to play cricket and our focus is only on cricket,” Kaur emphasized when pressed about the India-Pakistan rivalry and the Asia Cup controversies. It’s a sentiment that speaks to the professionalism and unity within the Indian camp.
Among the players looking to make a mark are two Telugu-speaking cricketers whose journeys to the World Cup have captured the imagination of fans. Fast bowler Arundhati Reddy, inspired by India’s 2007 T20 World Cup triumph and the 2011 World Cup at home, is relishing the opportunity. “The kid inside me always wanted to play for India and win a World Cup for the country. Now that I have the chance to play a 50-overs World Cup at home, I am truly grateful to God for this opportunity,” she shared in a candid chat. Reddy’s path wasn’t always straightforward; she initially aspired to be a wicketkeeper before her coach nudged her toward pace bowling—a decision that ultimately shaped her career. “There was a time in my career when I felt like I might never wear the India jersey again, and there were many questions about my future. But when I made my comeback and wore the jersey again, it felt really special.”
Spin bowler Shree Charani from Andhra Pradesh also brings a compelling story to the squad. Overcoming initial hesitation from her family, Charani found unwavering support from her mother. “My mother accepted my decision to become a cricketer immediately, but my father took about a year to come around,” she recalled. “Everyone dreams of playing for India and in a World Cup. I feel lucky to have this opportunity, and I will try my best to do well for the team and for India.” Charani’s switch from medium pace to spin, prompted by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and her experiences playing on village turf, has been a game-changer. “Once I started bowling spin, I began picking wickets consistently because batters struggled against my deliveries. That’s how my journey as a spinner began.”
The broader context for this World Cup is one of transformation. Since India last hosted the tournament in 2013, the women’s game has blossomed. Crowds have grown, as England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt noted: “The number of people who come to games in India brings a different energy that we hadn’t experienced before. That’s really exciting as a player.” Australia, with seven World Cup titles, remain the team to beat, but their captain Alyssa Healy is wary of the competition. “I believe this is going to be the toughest World Cup we’ve ever been a part of. Every single team is going to be tough to beat.”
New Zealand, the reigning T20 World Cup champions, are taking nothing for granted. Skipper Sophie Devine played down expectations, saying, “We’ve got to take the learnings that we took from Dubai last year.” The sense of parity and unpredictability is palpable, setting the stage for what could be a tournament for the ages.
For now, all eyes are on Bengaluru, where India and New Zealand Women lock horns in their final dress rehearsal. With the World Cup opener just days away, the outcome of this warm-up may not make headlines, but the lessons learned and confidence gained could prove invaluable. As the Indian team looks to sharpen its form and settle its lineup, fans across the country are ready to rally behind their heroes, united by hope and the promise of cricketing glory.
With the warm-up match underway and the World Cup just around the corner, anticipation has reached fever pitch. India’s women are ready to embrace the challenge, determined to turn dreams into reality on home turf.
