Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2025: Six Teams, Two Spots, and Intense Battles Ahead
The Final Road to India Begins in Lahore
The journey to the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 reaches a critical stage in Lahore, Pakistan, where six teams will battle for two final spots in the tournament. All 15 matches will be held across two venues: the Gaddafi Stadium and the newly appointed Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, which will host women’s internationals for the first time.
While the qualifiers clash with IPL and PSL, these games are pivotal for teams chasing a World Cup dream.
Who’s Already Qualified?
Six teams have already earned direct qualification based on their positions in the 2022–2025 ICC Women’s Championship:
– India
– Australia
– England
– New Zealand
– South Africa
– Sri Lanka
Who’s Playing the Qualifiers?
The following teams are competing in the qualifiers:
– Bangladesh
– Ireland
– Pakistan
– West Indies
– Scotland
– Thailand
These teams will compete in a round-robin league, with the top two securing a spot in the World Cup. There is no final — standings determine qualification.
Bangladesh and West Indies: The Early Favourites
Bangladesh’s Rise
Despite narrowly missing direct qualification, Bangladesh enters as one of the most improved teams, boasting a diverse bowling unit:
– Nahida Akter (5th-highest wicket-taker in the Women’s Championship)
– Fariha Trishna (Left-arm pace)
– Marufa Akter, Fahima Khatun, Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan (Spin variety)
Expectations are high for Bangladesh to seal one of the spots.
West Indies’ Overdependence on Hayley Matthews
West Indies’ fortunes may hinge on the all-round brilliance of Hayley Matthews, who ranked:
– 5th in runs
– 9th in wickets
However, for a successful campaign, veterans like Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and others must deliver alongside a promising young core.
Pakistan: Hosts With Something to Prove
Playing at home, Pakistan could benefit from familiar conditions. Yet, recent form and a captaincy change raise questions. With Fatima Sana now leading and spearheading the all-round effort, the team needs players like:
– Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, Aliya Riaz (batting)
– Diana Baig, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu (bowling)
Pakistan defeated West Indies in a recent warm-up, but inconsistency remains a concern. A successful qualification would also complicate the World Cup logistics, as India–Pakistan matches would require neutral venues (likely Sri Lanka or UAE).
Ireland: Hoping to Break the Jinx
Ireland last qualified for a Women’s ODI World Cup in 2005, but recent T20 World Cup appearances show promise. Their FTP inclusion and 4 series wins since the last World Cup — over Netherlands, Scotland, Zimbabwe, and Sri Lanka — suggest a competent team.
The key question: can they consistently outperform stronger sides?
Scotland and Thailand: The Underdog Dream
Both Scotland and Thailand are outside the ICC FTP and have limited ODI experience but dream of a maiden World Cup appearance.
- Scotland: 17 ODIs played, beat Ireland in 2023.
- Thailand: 9 ODIs played, 11 players from the 2020 T20 World Cup in the squad.
A qualification by either could spark debates on expanding the FTP and supporting emerging cricketing nations.
What’s at Stake?
These qualifiers are not just about World Cup berths but also represent:
– Global recognition for emerging teams
– A test of depth for established sides like West Indies and Pakistan
– A proving ground for ICC’s pathway structure
Expect drama, ambition, and inspiration in Lahore.
Stay tuned as we cover every twist and turn on the road to the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
