Date: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM IST / 2:30 PM Local Time (Indore)
Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Series: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 (Match 23)
Toss: 2:30 PM IST
Match Preview
Two of the best teams in women’s cricket meet in Indore today. Australia and England are both unbeaten in the World Cup so far. Both teams have already made it to the semifinals. But this match is still very important because the winner will finish first in the group stage.
Australia has won the World Cup seven times. They are the defending champions. England has won it four times. Both teams want to win this match to get confidence before the knockout games.
Big Problem for Australia
Australia has bad news before this match. Their captain and star player Alyssa Healy cannot play. She hurt her calf muscle during practice on October 18. Healy has been the best batter in this World Cup. She has scored 294 runs, including two centuries against India (142 runs) and Bangladesh (113 runs).
Without Healy, vice-captain Tahlia McGrath will lead the team. Beth Mooney will be the wicketkeeper. Georgia Voll will likely open the batting with Phoebe Litchfield. Cricket Australia says they will check if Healy can play in the next match against South Africa on October 25.
Expected Playing XIs
Australia Women (Likely XI – Source: Cricket.com.au, Female Cricket)
- Georgia Voll
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Ellyse Perry
- Beth Mooney (wicketkeeper)
- Annabel Sutherland
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Tahlia McGrath (captain)
- Sophie Molineux
- Alana King
- Kim Garth
- Megan Schutt or Darcie Brown
Note: Healy’s injury is confirmed. But Australia has not announced the final team yet. Georgia Voll is very likely to play based on coach statements and practice sessions.
England Women (Likely XI – Source: ESPNcricinfo, Outlook India)
- Tammy Beaumont
- Amy Jones (wicketkeeper)
- Heather Knight
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain)
- Sophia Dunkley
- Alice Capsey
- Emma Lamb
- Charlie Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Linsey Smith
- Lauren Bell
Note: This team is based on England’s last match against India. No injuries reported for England players.
Pitch and Weather
The Holkar Stadium in Indore has very good batting pitches. Teams have scored an average of 282 runs in the first innings during this World Cup. The ground is small, so hitting boundaries is easier.
In day-night matches, dew comes in the second half. This makes the ball wet and harder for bowlers to grip. Teams batting second might have an advantage. However, two out of three teams batting first have won at this ground in this World Cup.
Weather: Clear and sunny. Temperature will be between 25-31°C. No rain expected.
Players to Watch
| Category | Player | Why to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Batter (AUS) | Ashleigh Gardner | Scored a century earlier in the tournament; key middle-order player |
| Batter (AUS) | Georgia Voll | Young opener; scored 81 runs in a recent match; first World Cup game |
| Batter (ENG) | Heather Knight | Second-highest run scorer with 235 runs including 109 vs India |
| Batter (ENG) | Nat Sciver-Brunt | England captain; very reliable with the bat |
| Bowler (AUS) | Alana King | 17 wickets in 10 games in 2025; good record against England |
| Bowler (AUS) | Annabel Sutherland | Top Australian wicket-taker with 12 wickets in this World Cup |
| Bowler (ENG) | Sophie Ecclestone | 10 wickets in tournament; world’s number one ODI bowler |
| Bowler (ENG) | Linsey Smith | Left-arm spinner; bowled well against India |
What to Expect
This should be a high-scoring match. The pitch is very good for batting. Both teams have strong batting lineups.
Losing Alyssa Healy is a big blow for Australia. She is their best opener and leader. But Australia has many talented players. Tahlia McGrath is an experienced captain. Georgia Voll has shown good form recently.
England is coming with confidence after beating India by 4 runs. That was a close and exciting match. England’s middle-order batters like Sophia Dunkley, Alice Capsey, and Emma Lamb need to score more runs in this World Cup. They will try to perform better against Australia’s strong bowling.
Australia has beaten England 61 times in ODI cricket. England has won 24 times. Australia will be favorites even without Healy. But England has been playing well under pressure.
The winner gets important momentum before the semifinals. They might also finish first in the group table.
Prediction: Australia should win because they have better team balance and have played better in this tournament. But England can definitely win if their batters perform well. Expect a close and exciting match. The team batting second might have a small advantage because of the dew.
Where to Watch:
- India: Star Sports (TV), JioHotstar (online)
- Australia: Prime Video (free online)
- Other Countries: Check your local ICC broadcast partners