Women’s ODI World Cup 2025

The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup promises to ignite passion, pride, and unparalleled excitement across India and Sri Lanka. Scheduled from 30 September to 2 November 2025, this will mark the 13th edition of the tournament. It features a round-robin format followed by knockout stages, ensuring drama at every turn.

This edition of the Women’s ODI World Cup brings fresh significance: it’s the first time Sri Lanka co-hosts, and India hosts for the fourth time after 1978, 1997, and 2013. With prize money soaring to a record USD 13.88 million, including a winner’s purse of USD 4.48 million, the stakes have never been higher, reflecting the growing momentum behind women’s cricket.

As the build-up gains pace, anticipation surges even further. Teams from across the globe are locked, loaded, and ready. Right now, the spotlight for South African fans is firmly on the Proteas women. That spotlight intensifies as these formidable players prepare to take on the world.

The Proteas Team and Leadership

South Africa will enter the tournament under the charismatic leadership of Laura Wolvaardt, who serves as captain and inspires her teammates with poise and resilience. Wolvaardt, who recently relinquished the top spot in the ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings to India’s Smriti Mandhana after holding it for over six months, remains a cornerstone of the batting line-up, now tied for second with 719 rating points.

In addition to Wolvaardt, the 15-player squad calls on a blend of experience and youth. Seasoned campaigners like Chloé Tryon, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, and Suné Luus bring depth and composure. Meanwhile, dynamic all-rounders such as Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, and Nondumiso Shangase add vital balance. Behind the stumps, the reliable Sinalo Jafta is joined by 17-year-old Karabo Meso, who steps onto the senior World Cup stage for the first time. The bowling attack comprises spin ace Nonkululeko Mlaba, plus seamers Masabata Klaas and Tumi Sekhukhune. In addition, Miané Smit travels as a reserve, bolstering the squad’s depth and resilience.

About the ODI World Cup 2025

The 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup features eight elite sides, competing across stadiums in India and Sri Lanka. India hosts four venues which are DY Patil Stadium (Navi Mumbai), Assam Cricket Association Stadium (Guwahati), ACA-VDCA Stadium (Visakhapatnam), as well as Holkar Stadium (Indore). Whilst Sri Lanka contributes the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Among these, Indore’s Holkar Stadium is especially noteworthy, hosting no fewer than five matches and drawing enormous crowds as part of the Trophy Tour legacy.

The tournament unfolds through a round-robin group stage, followed by semifinals and the final. With Australia defending their title from 2022 as seven-time champions, and thrilling narratives building around India’s first-time title hopes, this edition promises riveting action.

Adding to the excitement, prize money soars to a record USD 13.88 million, including USD 4.48 million for the winners, thus underlining the tournament’s prestige.

Proteas Fixtures: South Africa at the World Cup

South Africa’s World Cup campaign kicks off and unfolds as follows:

1. 3 October – vs England at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
2. 6 October – vs New Zealand at Holkar Stadium, Indore
3. 9 October – vs India at ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
4. 13 October – vs Bangladesh at ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
5. 17 October – vs Sri Lanka at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
6. 21 October – vs Pakistan at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
7. 25 October – vs Australia at Holkar Stadium, Indore

Prior to the tournament, the Proteas sharpened their skills in a three-match ODI series in Lahore against Pakistan on 16, 19, and 22 September. The Proteas won the first 2 matches and Pakistan the 3rd.

Other Participating Countries & Favourites

All eight qualified teams are:

• Hosts: India, Sri Lanka
• Semi-Finalists from 2022: Australia (defending champions), England, South Africa, New Zealand
• Qualifier Teams: Bangladesh, Pakistan

Looking ahead, Australia stands as the runaway favourite, sitting atop the ICC Women’s ODI rankings with a commanding rating of 167. They are closely trailed by England (2nd), India (3rd), New Zealand (4th), and South Africa (5th). Indeed, those top five, Australia, England, India, South Africa, New Zealand are considered the leading forces in women’s ODI cricket heading into the World Cup.

Top 5 in the World (ODI Team Rankings)

1. Australia – Rating ~167 (dominant form)
2. England – Solid runners-up spot
3. India – Rising star, hosting the tournament
4. New Zealand – Consistent contender
5. South Africa – The Proteas, ranked 5th, poised for a breakthrough

Best Betting Sites for the Women’s ODI World Cup

The Women’s Cricket World Cup isn’t just a showcase of talent, it’s also a prime opportunity for South African punters to get involved. Whether you’re backing the Proteas or betting on favourites like Australia and England, choosing the right sportsbook can make all the difference.

Here are some of the best betting sites for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup:

• Betway South Africa – Known for excellent cricket coverage, competitive odds, as well as a smooth betting app. Betway often runs cricket-specific promos, therefore making it a top pick.
• Hollywoodbets – A household name in South Africa, offering markets on every match plus regular promotions, free bets, and odds boosts during major tournaments.
• Bet.co.za – Popular for live betting and localised specials. With cricket at the core of its sportsbook, Bet.co.za is ideal for in-play action during close ODI contests.
• Gbets – Offers a solid cricket betting platform with strong welcome bonuses and cash-out features, ensuring flexibility while betting on the Proteas.
• 10bet South Africa – Known for innovative promotions and wide cricket markets, including player props and outright winner bets.

These platforms give fans safe, reliable, and fun ways to back their teams while enjoying the thrill of the Women’s ODI World Cup. Soon enough we will be enjoying the 4th edition of the Betway SA20 as well!

Rallying Behind the Proteas

As South Africa’s Women’s team readies to face the world, the nation stands behind them with unwavering support and optimism. Throughout qualifiers and preparations, they have displayed grit, balance, and inspiring teamwork. With Laura Wolvaardt at the helm, blending leadership with top-tier batting prowess, the squad brims with balanced firepower. From steadfast spinners to lethal seamers, from experienced stars to rising talent like Karabo Meso.

What’s more, with their group stage featuring marquee matchups against England, India, and Australia, every outing will be a statement. And though the tournament stage looms large, one thing remains clear: the Proteas Women carry the hopes of an entire nation with them. They embody ambition, resilience, and South Africa’s vibrant cricketing spirit.

So here’s to the Proteas Women, go out there, fight with heart, and make us proud. We’ve got your backs all the way!