Match: 27th Match, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
Teams: England Women vs New Zealand Women
Date: October 26, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM Local Time (10:30 AM IST)
Venue: Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
Toss: Not yet known
Umpires: Gayathri Venugopalan, Shathira Jakir
TV Umpire: Candace la Borde
Match Referee: Michell Pereira
Match Situation
This match carries different meanings for both teams. England have already qualified for the semi-finals, joining Australia and South Africa in the final four. For New Zealand, however, they have been eliminated from the tournament.
Despite having nothing to play for in terms of qualification, this match holds special significance as it will be Sophie Devine’s 159th and final ODI appearance for New Zealand. The legendary captain will be looking to sign off her ODI career on a high note.
Expected Playing XIs
England Women (Likely XI)
Based on their World Cup squad, England are likely to field:
- Tammy Beaumont
- Danni Wyatt-Hodge
- Heather Knight
- Nat Sciver-Brunt (captain)
- Sophia Dunkley
- Amy Jones (wicketkeeper)
- Alice Capsey
- Charlie Dean
- Sophie Ecclestone
- Lauren Bell
- Sarah Glenn
Note: This lineup is based on their 15-player squad. The confirmed XI will be available at the toss.
Source: ICC official squad announcement (icc-cricket.com)
New Zealand Women (Likely XI)
According to recent match reports, New Zealand are expected to continue with their settled lineup:
- Suzie Bates
- Georgia Plimmer
- Amelia Kerr
- Sophie Devine (captain)
- Brooke Halliday
- Maddy Green
- Isabella Gaze (wicketkeeper)
- Jess Kerr
- Rosemary Mair
- Lea Tahuhu
- Eden Carson
Note: This is the probable XI based on their recent matches against Pakistan and India.
Source: ESPNcricinfo match previews
Venue and Conditions
Pitch Report
The ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam offers a balanced surface that is often considered batter-friendly with even bounce and true pace. Here’s what to expect:
- Early on: The pitch is good for batting with true bounce
- Fast bowlers: May find some early movement with the new ball
- Spinners: Become more important as the match progresses, with the surface offering grip and turn
- Par score: Around 270 in Women’s ODIs is considered competitive
This venue has seen medium-to-high scores during this World Cup, with India and Australia both having made more than 330 here in one match.
Weather Forecast
Weather could play a role in this match. There are rains forecast for Visakhapatnam on Sunday, with a cyclone supposedly brewing in the Bay of Bengal. Teams and fans will be hoping for a full game, especially given the emotional significance for Sophie Devine.
Players to Watch
| Type | England | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Batter | Heather Knight | Sophie Devine |
| Batter | Nat Sciver-Brunt | Amelia Kerr |
| Bowler | Sophie Ecclestone | Rosemary Mair |
| Bowler | Lauren Bell | Lea Tahuhu |
Key Player Notes:
England:
- Sophie Ecclestone has taken at least one wicket in every match she has played so far this World Cup
- Heather Knight has been consistent with the bat throughout the tournament
- Nat Sciver-Brunt brings experience and stability in her first World Cup as captain
New Zealand:
- Although Sophie Devine has played only four innings, she is still among the tournament’s top five run-scorers, with 266 runs at an average of 66.50
- Amelia Kerr is a dangerous all-rounder who can impact the game with both bat and ball
- New Zealand’s openers have struggled, with their partnership average being among the worst in the tournament
What to Expect
New Zealand have lost eight of their last nine ODIs against England – a stretch that goes back to September 2021. This record heavily favors England heading into the match.
However, New Zealand will be motivated to give their captain a proper farewell. With nothing to lose and everything to play for emotionally, they could produce a spirited performance.
England, already through to the semi-finals, may use this opportunity to try different combinations and give rest to key players. They’ll want to maintain momentum heading into the knockout stages while managing their workload.
The biggest concern is the weather. If rain interrupts play significantly, it would be disappointing, especially for Sophie Devine in her final ODI.
Prediction
Despite New Zealand’s motivation, England’s superior recent form and quality make them favorites. Their bowling attack, led by Sophie Ecclestone, has been consistent throughout the tournament. However, if Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr fire together, New Zealand can make it competitive.
Expected Winner: England Women (70% probability)
Weather permitting, expect a competitive match with New Zealand giving their all to send off their captain on a winning note, but England’s depth and form should see them through.
Sources:
- ESPNcricinfo (match previews and statistics)
- ICC official website (squad announcements)
- Cricket Times (pitch and weather reports)
- Outlook India (match previews)
- SportsCafe (match analysis)
This preview will be updated with confirmed playing XIs after the toss.