Could India Be the Biggest Challenge in the Women's World Cup?
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Synopsis
As the Women's ODI World Cup nears, Meg Lanning claims India is a formidable competitor to watch out for, emphasizing their talent and growth. With the tournament set to begin on September 30, the stakes are high for all teams involved!
Key Takeaways
- India is a strong contender in the upcoming Women's ODI World Cup.
- Meg Lanning highlights India's growing understanding of winning.
- Several teams, including England and South Africa, have the potential to surprise.
- The tournament starts on September 30, with India vs. Sri Lanka.
- Australia will face New Zealand on October 1.
New Delhi, Sep 13 (NationPress) As the Women's ODI World Cup approaches, Australian cricket legend Meg Lanning has highlighted that the host nation, India, might emerge as one of the fiercest competitors in the tournament set to kick off on September 30.
“While Australia has had a stronghold in past tournaments, it's not guaranteed this time,” Lanning stated in an interview with ICC Digital.
“Of course, I hope Australia triumphs, but I view India as the primary threat. They present a significant challenge to all teams involved.
“In terms of talent, they match up with the best and are progressively learning how to secure wins, a crucial aspect they have been improving on.”
Lanning, who led Australia during the 2017 World Cup semi-final where India triumphed, noted that that squad came close to winning their inaugural title, ultimately losing to England in a nail-biting final at Lord's.
With five World Cup victories under her belt as captain—including four ICC Women's T20 World Cups and the 2022 ODI championship—Lanning possesses invaluable insights into leading under pressure and performing in high-stakes situations.
“India is effectively guided by Harmanpreet Kaur, and they have several talented players with substantial experience. I expect impressive performances from them,” Lanning remarked.
“If they can align their strategies and execute their game plan effectively, I believe it would be challenging for any team to keep up with them. They are exceptionally skilled.”
In addition to India, Lanning believes that numerous other teams could rise to the occasion during this prestigious event.
“England is always a formidable opponent,” she observed. “South Africa has shown they can perform well in recent World Cups, particularly when it matters most.”
“And we cannot underestimate New Zealand. Their recent performance in the T20 World Cup (2024) demonstrated that if they hit their stride at the right time, anything can happen. That’s the beauty of the sport—there are many competitive teams in the mix.”
Australia, the reigning champions, will begin their 2025 World Cup journey against regional rivals New Zealand on October 1 in Indore, while host nation India is set to take on Sri Lanka in the tournament opener on September 30 in Guwahati.
Point of View
The anticipation surrounding the Women's World Cup is palpable. With teams like India, Australia, and others showcasing immense talent, this tournament promises to be a historic event. Our focus remains on the athletes' journeys and the competitive spirit they embody, showcasing the evolution of women's cricket on a global stage.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Women's ODI World Cup start?
The Women's ODI World Cup commences on September 30.
Which teams are considered strong contenders?
Australia, India, England, South Africa, and New Zealand are viewed as strong teams in the tournament.
Who is the captain of the Indian women's cricket team?
Harmanpreet Kaur is the captain of the Indian women's cricket team.
What is Meg Lanning's experience in the World Cup?
Meg Lanning has led Australia to five World Cup titles, including four T20 World Cups and one ODI championship.
Where will the opening match take place?
The opening match will be held in Guwahati, where host India will face Sri Lanka.
