2025 Women's Cricket World Cup Favourites - Australia tipped for the title, India to push them hard

The 13th ICC Women's Cricket World Cup sees defending champions Australia as strong favourites to add to their record seventh title. They have won 10 of their 11 WODI series since the last WODI World Cup, losing just four WODIs and winning 26.

England won a three-match series against Australia 2-1 back in 2023; South African won one WODI in their 2-1 series defeat to Australia in 2023/24; in the last week India took Australia to the wire, with the series level at 1-1 before losing the high-scoring 3rd WODI. 

Still remain No.1 in the ICC WODI rankings and have a track record of being serial tournament closers. Healy captains a stacked squad with Mooney, Perry, McGrath and a varied attack (Schutt, Gardner, King/Molineux). They come in off a 2–1 away win over India, underlining batting depth and composure under pressure, though Grace Harris’ late injury is a blow.

India’s form line is encouraging but uneven: strong tri-series returns and a competitive home set against Australia (they snapped a long Aussie win streak yet lost 1–2). Mandhana’s batting purple patch (300 runs, ave 100.00 in the recent series against Australia) and all-round control from Deepti Sharma bolster a side that fields match-winners in every phase; fielding remains an area for improvement.

Firmly top-three by ranking with a balanced XI: Sciver-Brunt anchors the batting while Ecclestone—currently the top-ranked ODI bowler—leads a clever spin attack, supported by pace options like Bell. Results have been competitive across 2025, including a hard-fought ODI series against India. They arrive at the World Cup with depth and flexibility. 

Always competitive, the White Ferns have banked recent limited-overs wins and named a freshened World Cup squad around Sophie Devine, Amelia Kerr and veteran Suzie Bates. With Kerr’s all-round impact and Devine’s powerplay threat, they profile as dangerous floaters if their middle-order consistency holds. 

The Proteas tuned up with an ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore, winning 2–1 after suffering a blowout in the final WODI. Their bowling attack offers a fine balance of their seam and spin balance. Wolvaardt, Brits and Kapp headline the batting, while Khaka and Mlaba offer control and wickets. Ranked just behind NZ, they’re capable of beating anyone if the top order fires. 

Fresh off their breakthrough 2024 T20 Asia Cup title, Sri Lanka arrive with real belief. Chamari Athapaththu remains the tone-setter, while Harshitha Samarawickrama’s big-match temperament (Player of the Match in the final) adds reliability. Kavisha Dilhari’s utility has tightened the middle overs. This core has beaten top sides over the past year and shouldn’t be underestimated. 

Their recent form has been mixed but is trending up: they lost 2–1 to South Africa in Lahore, yet finished with a statement win as Nashra Sandhu (6/26) ripped through the South African top order, with Sidra Amin anchoring the run chase. The template is clear—disciplined spin, proactive batting through Muneeba and Sidra, and fielding intensity. If they replicate that last ODI, then they could pose a threat to higher-ranked teams. 

The Female Tigers have enjoyed a strong World Cup qualifying journey. Sharmin Akter (266 runs) and captain Nigar Sultana (241 runs, including one century) were among the tournament’s leading scorers. With Marufa Akter’s pace and a spin brigade built for subcontinental conditions, Bangladesh can squeeze teams if they post par totals and hold their catches. Quietly dangerous if the top order starts well.