The Women in Blue eye the maiden title as the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 kicks off today in Guwahati, the city still reeling from the untimely death of its most beloved cultural icon, Zubeen Garg. The Assam Cricket Association (ACA) has arranged a heartfelt tribute to Garg beginning at 2 pm. BCCI Secretary Debajit Saikia has already confirmed that singers like Shreya Ghoshal, Papon will perform at the opening ceremony and tributes will be paid to Zubeen Garg. Bands like Shillong Coir Chamber too will perform and pay tribute to the late singer.
Co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka
This year’s Women’s ODI World Cup is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2. Eight teams will compete in a round-robin format across 31 matches over 34 days, with the top four advancing to the semifinals. Most fixtures will begin at 3 pm IST, except for the October 26 clash between New Zealand and England, which starts at 11 am IST.
Today marks the beginning of a high-stakes campaign for India at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, Assam where they take on Sri Lanka. Backed by home support and strong recent form, the Women in Blue are eyeing their first-ever ICC title, ending a 47-year wait. Ranked No. 3 globally, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side will aim to make the most of familiar conditions as India hosts its first World Cup in 12 years.
Carrying the expectations of millions, Harmanpreet Kaur will lead India in her fifth World Cup and her first as captain. Despite two past heartbreaks as runners-up in 2005 and 2017, Kaur has the belief that the team is capable of writing a new chapter.
“Leading my country in the ODI World Cup is very special, especially as it’s happening at home after 12 years. It’s all about enjoying the moment,” Kaur said ahead of the opener. She added, “There’s no pressure, we’re looking really good. In the practice games, we tried to tick all the boxes, and now we’re very excited to play in home conditions.”
The Opening Match Venue, Timing
- September 30, Tuesday
- Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, Assam
- Toss at 2:30 PM IST, Match Begins At 3 PM IST
Teams:
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh, Uma Chetry, Renuka Singh Thakur, Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana, Sree Charani, Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, Arundhati Reddy, Kranti Gaud.
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (captain), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunarathne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Imesha Dulani, Dewmi Vihanga, Piumi Wathsala, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodani, Malki Madara, Achini Kulasooriya.
Australia is a favourite?
Seven-times world champions Australia has been a favourite this year also and they also eye for another title.England have won four titles and New Zealand one while India, South Africa, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be bidding for their maiden crown.
Assam CM’s message
Assam CM expresses pride in Guwahati hosting Women’s World cup opener today.He said that this is a proud moment for us the Women’s World Cup kicks off in Assam.
Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 schedule
Date /Match/ Time/ Venue
September 30, Tuesday India vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati
October 1, Wednesday Australia vs New Zealand 3:00 PM Holkar Stadium, Indore
October 2, Thursday Bangladesh vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 3, Friday England vs South Africa 3:00 PM Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati
October 4, Saturday Australia vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 5, Sunday India vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 6, Monday New Zealand vs South Africa 3:00 PM Holkar Stadium, Indore
October 7, Tuesday England vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati
October 8, Wednesday Australia vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 9, Thursday India vs South Africa 3:00 PM ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 10, Friday New Zealand vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 11, Saturday England vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 12, Sunday India vs Australia 3:00 PM ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 13, Monday South Africa vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 14, Tuesday New Zealand vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 15, Wednesday England vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 16, Thursday Australia vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 17, Friday South Africa vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 18, Saturday New Zealand vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 19, Sunday India vs England 3:00 PM Holkar Stadium, Indore
October 20, Monday Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
October 21, Tuesday South Africa vs Pakistan 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 22, Wednesday Australia vs England 3:00 PM Holkar Stadium, Indore
October 23, Thursday India vs New Zealand 3:00 PM DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
October 24, Friday Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3:00 PM R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 25, Saturday Australia v South Africa 3:00 PM Holkar Stadium, Indore
October 26, Sunday England vs New Zealand 11:00 AM ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
October 26, Sunday India vs Bangladesh 3:00 PM DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
October 29, Wednesday Semi-final 1 3:00 PM Assam Cricket Association Stadium, Guwahati or R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
October 30, Thursday Semi-final 2 3:00 PM DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
November 2, Sunday Final 3:00 PM DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai or R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Disclaimer:
The information in this article is based on official announcements and media reports available at the time of writing. Event schedules, performances, and tributes are subject to change as per organizers’ discretion.
Also read:
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Opening Match: India vs Sri Lanka Sets New Attendance Record in Guwahati
Kangkan Kishor Sharma, an M.A. in Media and Journalism, serves as the Chief Contributor at NestOfNews.com. He contributes regularly, bringing insight, passion, and a deep commitment to delivering stories that truly matter. His work reflects a thoughtful understanding of media, storytelling, and the issues shaping today’s world.