Holkar Stadium Indore hosts its first Women’s World Cup 2025 ODI
The Australia vs New Zealand Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Indore promises high drama as two contrasting teams collide. Australia arrive as dominant favorites, having won their last nine ODI series, while New Zealand enter with mixed form but a history of upsetting stronger opponents on the world stage.
Australia carry momentum into the World Cup
Recent form favors Australia, who have brushed aside opposition at home and abroad. Since their last ODI series defeat in 2023, the world champions have displayed consistency and adaptability across conditions. Many of their stars, including Alyssa Healy, Beth Mooney, and Ellyse Perry, are familiar with Indian pitches thanks to the Women’s Premier League. Moreover, a 2-1 warm-up series victory in north India has provided valuable preparation.
Healy, leading Australia for the first time in a World Cup, is returning from injury and seeking runs on a flat Indore surface. Her record against New Zealand has been modest, yet her leadership and aggressive batting remain crucial.
Match 2 of the Women’s World Cup 2025 — Australia vs New Zealand! 🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) October 1, 2025
Two giants, one winner. Who’ll grab the early points? 🇦🇺🇳🇿
📸Getty #AUSWvsNZW #WomensWorldCup2025 pic.twitter.com/nssWItU0kk
New Zealand banking on experience and spirit
For New Zealand women’s cricket, form may not inspire confidence, but spirit often compensates. Despite finishing sixth in the 2022 World Cup and going winless in ODIs for months, the White Ferns cannot be underestimated. Their T20 World Cup triumph last year, achieved after a string of defeats, serves as a reminder of their resilience.
This match marks Sophie Devine’s final ODI series. The captain’s all-round skills, supported by senior players like Suzie Bates and Amelia Kerr, will be central. Bates also sits just 104 runs short of 6000 ODI runs, adding extra motivation.
Team news and pitch report
Australia’s squad looks nearly full-strength, with only minor fitness concerns. Sophie Molineux’s return strengthens the spin options, though balance in bowling remains a selection puzzle. New Zealand, meanwhile, hinted at one injury concern, but uncapped spinner Flora Devonshire could debut if required.
The Holkar Stadium in Indore hosts its first women’s international and is expected to produce a run-friendly track. With humidity adding to the challenge, bowlers will need variations to contain the scoring.
What’s at stake in Australia vs New Zealand Women’s World Cup 2025
Australia have beaten New Zealand in 15 consecutive ODIs, yet records rarely define World Cup outcomes. Momentum, depth, and big-match temperament will decide whether Australia extend their dominance or New Zealand rewrite history on Wednesday.
