The stage is set for a colossal clash in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 as India takes on the defending champions, Australia. This isn’t just another match; it’s a high-stakes tactical duel that could define India’s campaign. With a recent loss exposing some critical weaknesses, can the Indian team rise to the occasion against the world’s most dominant side?
Mark your calendars! The much-anticipated encounter between India and Australia is scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2025. The match will be a day-night affair, kicking off at 2:30 PM IST at the ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam [[1], [4]].
Fans can catch all the live action on Star Sports and stream it online via Disney+ Hotstar .
India’s journey in the tournament has already revealed a significant chink in their armor: a lack of a sixth bowling option. Relying on just five bowlers, including two all-rounders, has proven to be a risky strategy, especially against teams with deep batting lineups . This approach worked against weaker sides but is a recipe for disaster against a powerhouse like Australia.
Australia’s batting unit is a well-oiled machine, led by the explosive Alyssa Healy and backed by a pool of World Cup winners who thrive under pressure [[20], [21]]. To counter this, India desperately needs more depth in their bowling attack. The return of Renuka Singh from injury is a welcome boost, but questions remain about the overall variety and support for spearhead Pooja Vastrakar [[10], [11]].
It’s not just the bowling that’s a concern. India’s famed top order, featuring stars like Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana, and Jemimah Rodrigues, has been uncharacteristically quiet. In their initial matches, this trio managed a combined total of just 135 runs from 193 balls—a performance far below their usual standards .
Against Australia’s world-class pace and spin attack, which includes the likes of Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner, the Indian batters will need to find their rhythm quickly. A solid start is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.
Australia isn’t just the defending champion; they are the gold standard in women’s cricket, having won a record seven World Cup titles . Their strength lies in their incredible depth across all departments. From a formidable top order to a versatile bowling attack and match-winners like Ellyse Perry in the middle, they have an answer for every situation [[21], [26]].
They’ve already begun their title defense in style, with Ash Gardner smashing a superb lower-order century in their opening match . This is a team that knows how to win and is hungry for more.
All is not lost for India. Playing on home soil offers a significant advantage. Indian pitches are expected to assist their strong spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, and Radha Yadav, who could be the key to unlocking the Australian middle order [[13], [15]].
If the Indian top order can fire and the team can find that elusive sixth bowling option—perhaps by promoting an all-rounder or backing a young talent—they have a fighting chance to topple the giants.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India Women vs Australia Women |
| Date | Sunday, October 12, 2025 |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Venue | ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam |
| Broadcast | Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar |
Original Article: Times of India
Additional information from ICC official schedules and team analyses.
In a stunning display of power-hitting, India shattered their own record for the fastest T20I…
In a stunning display of explosive batting, India crushed New Zealand by 8 wickets in…
Sanju Samson was dismissed for a golden duck on the first ball against New Zealand—the…
Abhishek Sharma lit up the India vs New Zealand T20I with a historic 14-ball fifty—the…
In a stunning display of dominance at Optus Stadium, the Perth Scorchers claimed their record-extending…
In a breathtaking display of athleticism, Hardik Pandya pulled off a gravity-defying catch to dismiss…