To be frank, when it comes to the women’s game, it has been one team for a long time, and that team is Australia. They have been the powerhouse, the standard, and the team everyone has aimed to beat. Seven ODI World Cups, six T20 World Cups, and a winning culture that is borderline arrogant, so it is absolutely no surprise they are still the favorites leading into the 2025 Women’s World Cup.
The Cracks in Australia’s Invincibility
For the last several years, Australia seemed invulnerable. They had ten-plus match winning streaks, their average margins of victory were massive, and their competitors could only stand there in awe. The glow has slowly faded. England’s triumph in the 2023 Ashes ODI was a slap in the face, showing they could bleed. Just before India came to town, they played a very close match, which had lots of runs in it, where Australia gave up over 369 runs—the most they’ve given up in ODI history.
Even individual performances tell a story. Once their go-to match-winner, Alyssa Healy is not quite the same as she used to be. From 2017-2022, she battled with an average above 50 at a strike rate greater than 100. Since, though? Just 27 at a strike-rate below 90. While Beth Mooney has picked up the slack, the Aussies have not had the same kind of value from their other experienced players. For young players like Phoebe Litchfield and Annabelle Sutherland, while they are a lot of fun, they require both young legs and older shoulders in a big tournament.
India, England, and South Africa Are Closing In
So, who’s best placed to spoil Australia’s party? The short answer: take your pick.
India has improved in batting significantly. Smriti Mandhana is in full form and has increased her centuries to double from the last two years. Harmanpreet Kaur is still the big-match player who all they need is one performance from her to change the game, and their bowling unit, with Deepti Sharma and Renuka Singh spearheading the attack, has quietly developed into a highly reliable threat. After all, India is the one that eliminated Australia back in 2017.
England, too, is looking sharper. Their batting averages and strike-rates have caught up, and they’ve already proven in the Ashes that they can take down the Aussies in a series. Tammy Beaumont and Nat Sciver-Brunt bring consistency, while Sophie Ecclestone remains the world’s most dangerous spinner. If there’s one team that matches Australia in depth, it’s England.
And then there’s South Africa. Often considered the “nearly-there” side, they’ve suddenly found firepower at the top with Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits both scoring hundreds for fun. Their semi-final win over Australia in the 2024 T20 World Cup wasn’t a fluke—it was a statement. With a sharper batting strike-rate and a bowling unit that can squeeze opponents, they’re no longer just outsiders.
FAQs
- Why is Australia considered the most dominant team in women’s cricket?
They have won seven ODI World Cups, six T20 World Cups, and consistently maintained the best win-loss ratios.
- Which teams are most likely to challenge Australia in the 2025 Women’s World Cup?
India, England, and South Africa are the strongest contenders to challenge Australia.
- What recent signs show Australia might be vulnerable?
They have suffered rare defeats, conceded record totals, and seen key players like Alyssa Healy struggle for form.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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