India Women's Road to the Final: Analyzed Match by Match

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 has been a rollercoaster for the Indian Women's Cricket team. From dominant performances to heartbreaking defeats, their journey to the final has been a testament to their resilience and growing stature in the sport. This campaign, marked by aggressive batting displays and strategic bowling changes, has captured the imagination of fans. This analysis delves deep into each match, dissecting the key moments, player performances, and tactical decisions that have shaped their World Cup run.

The team's performance has been a mix of highs and lows. They showcased moments of brilliance, particularly with the bat, and demonstrated the potential to challenge the best teams in the world. Their ability to bounce back from setbacks will be crucial as they head into the final. This in-depth analysis will uncover the patterns, strengths, and vulnerabilities that have defined their journey so far.

Match 1: 1st Match vs Sri Lanka Women

Venue and Date: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, 30 September 2025

Match Context and Significance:

The opening match of the tournament set the tone for India's campaign. A win here was crucial to start on a positive note and build momentum.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 269/8 (47.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 5.72
• Boundaries: 23 fours, 4 sixes
• Dot Balls: 125

Sri Lanka Women: 211/10 (45.4 overs)

• Run Rate: 4.62

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Strong batting display, set a good target.

India Bowling: Disciplined bowling performance, controlled the scoring rate.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

D/L Method: The match was impacted by rain, leading to a revised target.

Player of the Match: Deepti Sharma's all-round performance was key.

Player of the Match Impact:

Deepti Sharma's all-round contribution – likely with bat and ball – was crucial in securing the win.

Match Result:

India Women beat Sri Lanka Women by 59 runs (D/L method).

Analytical Insights:

A solid start to the tournament. The batting unit showed good intent, and the bowlers maintained pressure. The D/L method meant controlling the scoring rate was critical.

Match 2: 6th Match vs Pakistan Women

Venue and Date: R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo, 5 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

A crucial match against a familiar rival, a win here would boost confidence and improve their position in the standings.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 247/10 (50.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 4.94
• Boundaries: 28 fours, 3 sixes
• Dot Balls: 170

Pakistan Women: 159/10 (43.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 3.70

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Good batting performance set a competitive score.

India Bowling: Bowlers effectively contained Pakistan, taking wickets at regular intervals.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Kranti Gaud had a match-winning performance.

Player of the Match Impact:

Kranti Gaud's performance, likely with bat or ball, was decisive in securing the victory.

Match Result:

India Women won by 88 runs.

Analytical Insights:

India's all-round performance was commendable. They batted well and the bowlers were able to put the pressure on Pakistan.

Match 3: 10th Match vs South Africa Women

Venue and Date: Dr. Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, 9 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

This match was a test of India's ability to compete against a strong South African side. A win would have been a significant boost.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 251/10 (49.5 overs)

• Run Rate: 5.04
• Boundaries: 25 fours, 5 sixes
• Dot Balls: 184

South Africa Women: 252/7 (48.5 overs)

• Run Rate: 5.16

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Set a competitive total, but lost wickets at crucial times.

India Bowling: Bowlers fought hard, but could not defend the target.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Nadine de Klerk's performance was key for South Africa.

Player of the Match Impact:

Nadine de Klerk's performance, likely with bat and/or ball, was instrumental in South Africa's victory.

Match Result:

South Africa Women beat India Women by 3 wickets.

Analytical Insights:

India put up a good score, but their bowling struggled to contain South Africa. Tightening up the death bowling was a key area to work on.

Match 4: 13th Match vs Australia Women

Venue and Date: Dr. Y.S.Rajashekar Reddy Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, 12 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

Facing a strong team like Australia was a challenge. A good performance, even in defeat, would be valuable.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 330/10 (48.5 overs)

• Run Rate: 6.76
• Boundaries: 36 fours, 7 sixes
• Dot Balls: 138

Australia Women: 331/7 (49.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 6.76

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Displayed an aggressive batting approach, setting a high score.

India Bowling: Bowlers struggled to contain Australia's powerful batting lineup.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Alyssa Healy had a significant impact on the match.

Player of the Match Impact:

Alyssa Healy's performance, almost certainly with the bat, powered Australia's victory.

Match Result:

Australia Women beat India Women by 3 wickets.

Analytical Insights:

India's batting performance was excellent. However, their bowling proved to be a liability against a strong Australian batting lineup. Improving bowling strategies was critical.

Match 5: 20th Match vs England Women

Venue and Date: Holkar Stadium, Indore, 19 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

This match was critical for India's chances of reaching the semi-finals. A win was essential.

Scorecard Analysis:

England Women: 288/8 (50.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 5.76

India Women: 284/6 (50.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 5.68
• Boundaries: 32 fours, 0 sixes
• Dot Balls: 135

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Almost chased down a challenging target, showing resilience.

India Bowling: The bowlers had a decent performance, but could not restrict England enough.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Heather Knight's performance was decisive.

Player of the Match Impact:

Heather Knight's performance played a pivotal role in England's win.

Match Result:

England Women beat India Women by 4 runs.

Analytical Insights:

A close match. While India's batting showed good intent, they fell just short. The lack of sixes and a few key overs proved costly.

Match 6: 24th Match vs New Zealand Women

Venue and Date: Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy, Thane, 23 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

Another crucial match in the group stages. A win would significantly improve their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 340/3 (49.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 6.94
• Boundaries: 36 fours, 6 sixes
• Dot Balls: 114

New Zealand Women: 271/8 (44.0 overs)

• Run Rate: 6.16

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Displayed an outstanding batting performance, setting a massive target.

India Bowling: Good bowling performance, taking wickets at regular intervals.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Smriti Mandhana had a standout performance.

Player of the Match Impact:

Smriti Mandhana's match-winning performance, likely with the bat, set the stage for victory.

Match Result:

India Women beat New Zealand Women by 53 runs (D/L method).

Analytical Insights:

Dominant performance by India, especially with the bat. The high scoring rate and good bowling display secured a convincing win. The D/L method was also successfully navigated.

Match 7: 28th Match vs Bangladesh Women

Venue and Date: Dr. D.Y. Patil Sports Academy, Thane, 26 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

This match was an opportunity to secure valuable points. Any result would impact their overall standing.

Scorecard Analysis:

India Women: 57/0 (8.4 overs)

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: A steady start before the match was abandoned.

India Bowling: N/A

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Match Abandoned due to rain

Player of the Match Impact:

N/A - The match was abandoned.

Match Result:

Match abandoned.

Analytical Insights:

The match was abandoned due to weather conditions. This meant points were shared.

Match 8: 2nd Semi Final vs Australia Women

Venue and Date: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 30 October 2025

Match Context and Significance:

The semi-final against Australia was a high-stakes match. A win would propel them into the final.

Scorecard Analysis:

Australia Women: 338/10 (49.5 overs)

• Run Rate: 6.78

India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)

• Run Rate: 7.03
• Boundaries: 35 fours, 5 sixes
• Dot Balls: 115

Batting/Bowling Performance Breakdown:

India Batting: Brilliant batting performance, chasing down a huge total.

India Bowling: Improved performance from the bowlers, but still gave away runs.

Key Performance Metrics and Statistics:

Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues played a match-winning innings.

Player of the Match Impact:

Jemimah Rodrigues' performance, likely with the bat, was crucial in securing the win.

Match Result:

India Women won by 5 wickets.

Analytical Insights:

A phenomenal batting performance to win the semi-final. The chasing ability was exemplary. The bowlers still need to tighten up to provide crucial support to the batters.

Comprehensive Summary

Overall Tournament Record:

• Wins: 4
• Losses: 3
• Abandoned Matches: 1

Win Percentage:

(4 wins / 7 matches played) * 100% = 57.14% (approx.)

Key Strengths Observed:

• Aggressive Batting: India's batting unit, when firing, is capable of posting formidable totals. They have demonstrated an ability to score quickly and build partnerships.
• Chasing Ability: Demonstrated in the semi-final against Australia, they can chase down high scores.
• Key Players: Several players have demonstrated the potential to perform.

Key Weaknesses Observed:

• Bowling Consistency: At times, the bowling attack has struggled to contain opposition batters, particularly in the middle overs and at the death.
• Middle-Order Stability: At times, the middle order has struggled to accelerate the run rate.

What Their Journey Tells Us About Their Final Prospects:

India Women's journey to the final has been a mix of exhilarating highs and frustrating lows. Their ability to chase down big totals and their aggressive batting approach make them a dangerous opponent. However, their bowling needs to be consistently effective to put pressure on the opposition. If the bowling can support the batting, they are a strong contender in the final.