The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 commences in just a few days from now, in India and Sri Lanka, and for the hosts, this will be perhaps the biggest chance to lay their hands on maiden trophy. They came close in 2005 and 2017, reaching finals, but then first Australia blew them away, and then England.
No Mental Block Against Australia
There is something about these big teams, especially Australia, that India, despite playing so well against them, ends up on the losing side more often than not. Statistically, it is not a pleasing match-up. In 59 ODIs between the two sides, India has won only 11, while Australia has won 48. In that too, last 7-8 years have been lop-sided, where we have won just three.
One of those was in 2017 WC semis, then another one in 2021, and not in the ODI series — in the second encounter. Is it a mental block that the teams over the years, have had? WV Raman, the former women’s coach feels otherwise. It is just the power-packed team that causes all the damage.
Why is AUS the Best Team?
“I don’t think the team has a mental block against Australia. If you look closely, Australia has about close to seven bowling options, and nine in the XI who can bat for them, as well as anybody. So, that way they have a fantastic bunch of players, a side that can overcome any challenges in terms of pitches or the conditions too. Also, nothing succeeds like success. They have been world champions seven times. They know how to do it,” Raman told InsideSport in an exclusive chat.
But then the Aussies too can be beaten. In Chandigarh, the team first scored 292 and then bundled the opposition for only 190. Their batting can falter too, or made to falter. In fact, many teams have now started beating them, maybe not as consistently, but something that can be achieved. “What the other countries will be encouraged by is, in recent times they have been challenged, and they have also started losing matches. There is an opening for sure.”
India Frontrunners for Women’s World Cup 2025 Glory
In all that, India might just be the frontrunners to lift the trophy. Raman went on to add that Australia, of course will be a force to reckon with, but the hosts will be equally good. Plus, he also named the dark horses of the tournament. “India and Australia have a very good chance. You can’t rule out South Africa, and have been doing really well in all verticals, in the last two-three years.
“For me, England is going through a transition, and so is New Zealand. They perhaps might not cover all the bases. I think the dark horses would be the Sri Lankan side. The conditions might suit them. Plus they have been doing well in the last few years,” he concluded.
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