Every World Cup has its storylines, its drama, and of course, its heroes with the bat. As the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup heads to India and Sri Lanka, the spotlight is firmly on the players who can turn matches with their stroke play. Yes, bowlers win tournaments, but let’s be honest, most of us remember the centuries, the sixes, and the match-winning partnerships far more vividly. This year, eight batters stand out as potential game-changers. Let’s dive in and see who might light up the tournament.
The Old Guards vs The New Stars
One of the standout characteristics of this World Cup is the mix of veterans and young guns. On one hand, experienced players (Beth Mooney in Australia, Natalie Sciver-Brunt in England) have the accolades and the numbers to back it up. Mooney is steady at the crease and has already found some runs of late, including a stunning 100 against India in 2025. Sciver-Brunt can re-position between the rock and the hard place, and oh, how can we forget her 148 in the 2022 final?
Conversely, there are some fearless youngsters in this World Cup like Georgia Plimmer of New Zealand who brings that spark of enthusiasm, she’s 20 and already making hundreds.
Batters Who Thrive Under Pressure
Runs matter, but timing matters even more. It’s one thing to score freely against a weaker attack in the group stage, and another to dig in during a tense chase under lights. That’s where Smriti Mandhana shines brightest. She’s not just piling up runs in 2025—she’s doing it when it counts most. Her ability to handle the new ball and then take spinners apart makes her India’s heartbeat in run chases.
Next, here’s Sharmin Akhter Supta from Bangladesh. She’s not a show pony, but she’s a reliable hitter in the form of the player you want on the ground when the heat is on. The one who scored 94 runs against Thailand in the qualifiers showcases her ability to keep up the batting tempo. Finally, Sidra Amin from Pakistan is putting forward the argument that she will perform under pressure.
The X-Factor Players Every Team Needs
Every World Cup also has those players who bring the X-factor—the ones who can flip a game in a single session. For South Africa, Marizanne Kapp is exactly that. A veteran since 2009, she’s fresh off a 121 against Pakistan and has that rare ability to both stabilise and accelerate in the middle overs. If Laura Wolvaardt sets the table, Kapp feasts on it.
Sri Lanka’s Harshitha Samarawickrama is another name to watch. With Chamari Athapaththu usually blasting away at the top, Samarawickrama is the one who holds the innings together in the middle. Her four fifties in 2025 prove she’s no longer just a support act—she’s now the reliable core of Sri Lanka’s batting. If she clicks, Sri Lanka suddenly looks a lot more dangerous than people give it credit for.
FAQs
- Who is expected to be India’s key batter at the 2025 Women’s World Cup?
Smriti Mandhana is India’s most reliable and in-form batter heading into the tournament.
- Which young player could surprise fans in this World Cup?
New Zealand’s Georgia Plimmer, just 20, has already scored big centuries and could be a breakout star.
- Who is the most experienced batter among the eight highlighted?
Marizanne Kapp of South Africa brings over 130 ODIs of experience to her side.
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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