As the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 approaches (30 September – 2 November, in India & Sri Lanka), the excitement is building. Eight top teams, star name names, and conditions that will test batters, bowlers and fielders alike. At Gray-Nicolls, we’ve had our eyes on the rising stars, the established icons, and, of course, the right kit to make all the difference, especially our GEM family. Here’s what to watch for, who might be the stand-outs, and why GEM 3.0 could be a game changer.
Which countries are likely to be in the running
While we know all eight teams will be battling hard to progress deep into the competition, certain sides look particularly strong:
- Australia come in as defending champions, with depth in batting, spin, and all-round ability. They are always the team to beat regardless of format and their recent ODI results show form and confidence.
- England will be dangerous. Yes, they may have underperformed in recent tournaments, but with experienced batters and a spin attack capable of causing trouble on subcontinent surfaces, they’ll be aiming for the final.
- India, playing at home (with some matches in Sri Lanka), will have the advantage of familiarity with conditions. They’ve got superstars throughout their line-up, but can they handle the expectation?
- New Zealand are riding high as the current holders of the T20 World Cup and are looking to do the white ball double. They have always been competitive in World Cups, but will they have enough support for Melie Kerr?
- South Africa are another side that could upset the order. Strong batting and increasingly consistent performances with the ball make them a dark horse.
Other teams (Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh) will be looking for breakthroughs, upsets, strong individual performances and building momentum toward future tournaments. But in terms of favourites: Australia, England, India, New Zealand, and South Africa look likely to dominate the top spots.
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Players to watch: Stars who could define the tournament
Here are some individual names we believe will inspire their sides, change games, or create memorable moments
- Beth Mooney (Australia) – A master of pacing an innings, adapting to pressure, and exploiting spin. She’s proven in big games, and in these conditions she’ll be one of the tournament’s safest bets – and she’s fresh off an outstanding century
- Annabel Sutherland (Australia) –she bats, she bowls, she fields. Sutherland has established herself as one of he game’s premier all rounders. Her ability to swing the game in more than one dimension could make her a key match-winner.
- Amelia Kerr (New Zealand) – Her combination of spin and batting make Kerr the most influential player in the competition. She’s capable of big innings and match-winning spells with the ball
- Heather Knight (England) – Back from injury and back in the ranks, Knight’s experience, composure under pressure and run-chase nous is likely to be pivotal.
Other names likely to feature heavily: Smriti Mandhana (India), Laura Wolvaardt (South Africa), Sophie Ecclestone (England). These players will decide games, especially in those clutch moments.
GEM 3.0: Engineered for Excellence
At Gray-Nicolls, we believe that excellence comes not just from talent, but from equipments that’s designed with purpose. That’s where the GEM family comes in. Our GEM range has been specially created for women cricketers: lighter bats, better pick-up, gloves and pads correctly sized to women’s hands and bodies)
So what difference might GEM 3.0 make in this World Cup?
- Faster bat speed and better control: Lighter pick-ups = quicker reactions in the power-play and better timing. A GEM bat lets a player like Tammy Beaumont or Emma Lamb be more creative at the crease.
- Confidence in protective gear: Pads and gloves that fit properly reduce distractions. Players can focus on their game rather than worrying about malfunctioning kit.
- Consistency with elite standards: Many top players already use GEM bats and gear. Having reliable, high quality kit helps with consistency in performance. When the margins are slim—as they often are in World Cup knockout matches—every little gain counts.
- Psychological edge: Feeling properly equipped contributes to mental sharpness. When the gear feels like it works with you rather than against you, players play more freely.
GEM 3.0 has been engineered for excellence.
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Want to get properly equipped?
Explore the full range of GEM gear here. And if you want to read more about how women’s kit has evolved, check out our posts: Do Women Use Different Cricket Kit to Men and How The Hundred Changed Women’s Cricket Forever.
Women's Cricket World Cup FAQS
Where is the women's Cricket World Cup happening?
The Women's Cricket World Cup takes place across India and Sri Lanka (Colombo only)
When is the tournament start?
The tournament begins on September 30th with the final taking place on November 2nd.
What is the format?
The eight teams play in round robin pool stage, with each playing seven matches. The top four teams in the pool go to the semi-finals, where first plays fourth and second plays third.
