Who will dominate with the bat at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025? Fans are already debating, as India and Sri Lanka prepare to host the tournament. While bowlers will decide many contests, it is the batters who will often set the tone.
Each team brings at least one batter capable of shaping their side’s fortunes, and their performances could prove decisive when it matters most. Over the coming weeks, it will not just be about who scores the most runs, but who scores them under pressure.
Here is a closer look at eight batters expected to make an impact:
Australia – Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney has been a standout in 2025. She has passed double figures in every ODI this year and smashed one of the fastest hundreds in women’s ODIs against India. Mooney has become the calm head of Australia’s batting order, exemplified by 233 runs in three innings in the 2025 series against India. Her ability to pace an innings makes her invaluable in high-pressure matches.
Bangladesh – Sharmin Akhter Supta
Sharmin Akhter has been Bangladesh’s most consistent batter this year, scoring 20+ in seven of her eight ODI innings during qualifiers, including an unbeaten 94 against Thailand. At 29, she brings experience to a young side and is Bangladesh’s leading run-scorer over the past year. Supta’s ability to occupy the crease will be vital if Bangladesh are to compete in only their second World Cup. The opener’s duel with Pakistan’s Diana Baig in the opening game on 9 October will be one to watch.
England – Natalie Sciver-Brunt
England captain and all-rounder Natalie Sciver-Brunt has been outstanding in 2025, scoring four fifties in ODIs and ranking second in the ICC ODI batter rankings. Averaging over 40 with a strike rate above 90, she can both anchor innings and accelerate when needed. Her 148* in the 2022 World Cup final against Australia demonstrated her ability to rise to big occasions. In CWC25, she will need to handle spin on slow pitches and outscore her peers to keep England competitive.
India – Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana enters the tournament in peak form. She reclaimed the top spot in the ICC ODI batter rankings earlier this year and has scored over 800 runs in 2025 at an average above 60, including four hundreds. Her match-winning 117 against Australia in September highlights her ability to deliver under pressure. Mandhana’s skill in negotiating the new ball and attacking spinners in the middle overs makes her India’s most reliable opener since Mithali Raj.
New Zealand – Georgia Plimmer
At just 20, Georgia Plimmer is already New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer over the past year. She has played match-winning knocks, including 112 against Sri Lanka in March, followed by another century for New Zealand A against England A. Her challenge will be facing top-class new-ball bowlers like Renuka Singh and Megan Schutt. How she handles the intensity of a global tournament could shape New Zealand’s campaign.
Pakistan – Sidra Amin
Sidra Amin has been relentless in 2025, scoring consecutive centuries against South Africa in September. At 33, she combines experience with consistency and remains Pakistan’s leading run-getter. Her calm approach at the top of the order and ability to take on the best pacers will be key to Pakistan’s prospects.
South Africa – Marizanne Kapp
Veteran Marizanne Kapp returned to ODIs this year after a rest and immediately rediscovered form, scoring 121* against Pakistan in September. With over 130 ODIs under her belt, Kapp brings experience and balance. While Laura Wolvaardt anchors South Africa’s innings, Kapp’s ability to accelerate in the middle overs gives the team an extra edge.
Sri Lanka – Harshitha Samarawickrama
Harshitha Samarawickrama has been Sri Lanka’s most dependable batter, leading the ODI run charts in the past year and scoring four fifties in 2025, including 77 against South Africa. At 27, she is entering her prime, with technique to handle pace and spin alike. With Chamari Athapaththu often taking on the fast starts, Samarawickrama provides crucial stability in the middle order.
