The second match of the tournament promises a thrilling contest: Australia Women vs New Zealand Women.
The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, brings together the top women’s cricketing nations.
Australia, the defending champions, enter the competition as favorites, while New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, will be eager to start their campaign with a strong performance against their arch-rivals.
Also read- New Zealand vs Australia 1st T20I, 2025: Match Preview, Analysis & Prediction
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women
Match Details
- Date: 1 October 2025
- Time: 3:00 PM local start (Day/Night fixture)
- Venue: Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
- Format: 50-over One-Day International
The match will be split into two sessions: an afternoon session from 3:00 PM to 6:10 PM, followed by an evening session under lights from 6:40 PM to 10:10 PM.
Historical Context & Head-to-Head
Australia and New Zealand share one of the richest rivalries in women’s cricket, often battling in bilateral Rose Bowl ODIs and global tournaments.
- Overall Record: Australia has historically dominated the rivalry, winning the majority of series and matches.
- Recent Form: Australia has enjoyed success in recent bilateral tours and major tournaments, consistently defeating New Zealand.
- Tournament History: Australia won the last Women’s World Cup in 2022, while New Zealand will be aiming to repeat their 2000 triumph on home soil.
Australia holds the psychological advantage, but New Zealand’s unpredictable flair makes them a dangerous side.
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women: Team Analysis
Australia Women
Australia boasts an experienced and well-balanced squad featuring batting depth and strong bowling options.
Key Players:
- Beth Mooney – Reliable run-scorer at the top.
- Alyssa Healy (C) – Provides explosive starts and leadership.
- Annabel Sutherland – A vital all-rounder.
- Megan Schutt & Alana King – Experienced bowlers capable of breaking partnerships.
New Zealand Women
New Zealand relies on a blend of experience and youthful energy.
Key Players:
- Sophie Devine (C) – Leader and match-winner with both bat and ball.
- Suzie Bates – Veteran opener, steady presence at the top.
- Maddy Green – Reliable in the middle order.
- Jess Kerr & Eden Carson – Effective with the ball, especially in middle overs.
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women: Probable Playing XI
Australia Women
- Alyssa Healy (C)
- Beth Mooney
- Phoebe Litchfield
- Tahlia McGrath (VC)
- Ashleigh Gardner
- Annabel Sutherland
- Sophie Molineux
- Alana King
- Megan Schutt
- Darcie Brown
- Kim Garth
New Zealand Women
- Sophie Devine (C)
- Suzie Bates
- Maddy Green
- Brooke Halliday
- Izzy Gaze (wk)
- Bella James
- Polly Inglis
- Jess Kerr
- Eden Carson
- Rosemary Mair
- Lea Tahuhu
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women: Pitch & Conditions
The Holkar Stadium in Indore is known for high-scoring encounters but also offers assistance to bowlers:
- Early movement for seamers in the afternoon.
- Batting becomes easier under lights with the dew factor.
- Spinners could play a key role in the middle overs.
The toss will be important — teams may prefer to field first and chase under lights.
Australia Women vs New Zealand Women: Match Prediction
Australia enters the contest as the stronger side with more depth and experience. However, if Sophie Devine or Suzie Bates produce match-winning knocks, New Zealand can cause an upset.
- Favorites: Australia Women
- Key Battle: Mooney and Healy vs Jess Kerr with the new ball.
- Projected Score: A first-innings total of 250–280 is expected.
FAQ’s
Who is captaining Australia and New Zealand in this match?
Alyssa Healy captains Australia, while Sophie Devine leads New Zealand.
Which players are likely to be game-changers?
Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland for Australia; Sophie Devine and Jess Kerr for New Zealand.
How important is the toss at Holkar Stadium?
Very important — chasing under lights with dew can be an advantage.
What is the expected pitch behavior?
Balanced surface: seam movement early, spin in the middle overs, and easier batting under lights.
Who has the better record historically between the two teams?
Australia has dominated head-to-head encounters, winning most of the series and matches.