Full Breakdown
ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025: Warm-Up Matches and Injury Concerns
9/25/2025, 7:58:38 PM
Warm-Up Matches Overview
The ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 is set to commence on September 30, with warm-up matches taking place from September 25 to 28. This edition of the tournament will be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, featuring eight teams: India, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. The warm-up matches are crucial for teams to finalize their strategies and player combinations ahead of the main event.
On September 25, four warm-up matches are scheduled: India A will face New Zealand at 9:30 AM IST in Bengaluru, while the main Indian team will clash with England at 3 PM IST at the same venue. Concurrently, Sri Lanka will play Pakistan and South Africa will take on Bangladesh in Colombo, both starting at 3 PM IST.
Broadcast and Streaming Details
Fans can catch the warm-up matches through various platforms. In India, matches will be available on the Star Sports Network and streamed live on the JioHotstar app. In South Africa, SuperSport Cricket will provide coverage, while New Zealand viewers can watch via Sky TV. Other countries, including England, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, will have dedicated channels and streaming options to ensure comprehensive access to the matches.
Injury Concerns for India
A significant concern for the Indian team arose during their warm-up match against England when pacer Arundhati Reddy sustained an injury. The incident occurred in the 13th over when Reddy attempted to take a return catch and landed awkwardly on her left leg. She was subsequently taken off the field in a wheelchair. Reddy had bowled 4.4 overs, taking one wicket while conceding 34 runs. The extent of her injury remains unclear, raising concerns about her availability for the World Cup.
Reddy's injury is particularly troubling for India, as she is a key player in their pace attack, which also includes Renuka Singh Thakur and Kranti Gaud. The absence of Reddy would leave a significant gap in the bowling lineup, especially given that Pooja Vastrakar was not selected due to fitness issues.
Team Preparations and Key Players
India enters the World Cup with a strong squad led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur and vice-captain Smriti Mandhana. The team has shown promise in recent series, despite a 2-1 defeat to Australia in their last ODI series. Mandhana's form has been a highlight, as she scored 300 runs in three matches against Australia, including two centuries.
England, on the other hand, has been bolstered by the return of experienced players like Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt, who will be crucial for their campaign. England's squad depth will be tested as they aim to improve upon their recent performances.
Conclusion
As the warm-up matches unfold, teams will be keen to assess their strengths and weaknesses before the tournament kicks off. The injury to Arundhati Reddy adds an element of uncertainty for India, highlighting the physical demands of the tournament. With the World Cup just days away, all eyes will be on how teams adapt and perform in these crucial preparatory games.
