Fatima Sana took charge of the show with a game-winning all-round performance as Pakistan Women charged into the ICC Women's World Cup 2025 with a commanding 67-run victory over Thailand at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Thursday. The triumph was their fourth consecutive win in the qualifiers and made them the first team to qualify from the six-country tournament.

Skipper Fatima was just brilliant, saving Pakistan from a precarious 85 for 4 with an unbeaten 62 before chipping in with 3 for 29 to annihilate Thailand's pursuit. Sidra Amin gave the solidity with a solid 80, her third fifty in four matches, as the duo shared a vital 97-run partnership. Thailand's pursuit never gained momentum, folding to 138 all out against the spin of Pakistan after a reasonable beginning.

"Choriya" on the front – Pakistan Women's mute critics with masterful performance

Rameen Shamim abetted the spin attack with three wickets, as Nashra Sandhu and Sadia Iqbal maintained the pressure. Although Pakistan's fielding had scope for improvement through six dropped chances, their bowling attack again proved penetrative when it was most required. The victory not only guaranteed qualification but emphasized Pakistan's emerging danger as a well-balanced and resilient outfit.

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With India qualified as hosts, and Australia, England, South Africa, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka also having qualified in advance, Pakistan's inclusion leaves just one position open. Bangladesh, the West Indies, and Scotland are vying for that sole position.

Yet, Pakistan's qualification has thrown a spanner into the tournament planning. Similar to the forthcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, World Cup matches against Pakistan will be hosted at neutral grounds because of the ICC's hybrid model agreement. UAE is being rumored as a possible co-host with India for the tournament to be staged in September-October 2025.

Fan Reactions:

Pakistan 🇵🇰 and Bangladesh 🇧🇩 women cricket teams will Qualify for the ICC women’s cricket World Cup both are on top two positions in qualifiers.
Pakistan women team will not play in India 🇮🇳 Pakistan matches will be scheduled outside India 🇮🇳 that’s it pic.twitter.com/MBH24q1pEj

— Sohail Imran (@sohailimrangeo) April 16, 2025

Pakistan has qualified for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.

4/4 for Pakistan in Women's World Cup Qualifiers.

Pakistan beat Thailand by 87 runs. pic.twitter.com/RMOAfHmMo9

— Osama (@sporrtingnerd) April 17, 2025

Congratulations, Team Pakistan! ❤️
I'm so proud of each and every one of you. What an incredible journey these qualifiers have been! Winning hits differently when the world had written you off. pic.twitter.com/itOu9GbslF

— Sakina Naz (@Itsnaz03) April 17, 2025

Pakistan has Qualified into the Women's World Cup 2025, this means the event happening in India will be in Hybrid model like Champions Trophy 2025. 🏆 pic.twitter.com/hpFel1JxcM

— Muhammad Noman (@Nomancricket29) April 17, 2025

Pakistan Women have qualified for the Women's World Cup later this year in India.

It would be a real shame to the power of the BCCI and Jay Shah if Pakistan’s matches are held outside India.

— Ragav 𝕏 (@ragav_x) April 17, 2025

BREAKING: Pakistan women cricket team has qualified for ICC women's cricket world cup after winning the 4th consecutive match in WC qualifiers, beating Thailand by 87 runs.

— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) April 17, 2025

PAKISTAN WOMENS TEAM HAVE QUALIFIED FOR THE WOMENS ODI WORLD CUP 2025 IN INDIA !!! 🎉👏💯
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE HYBRID MODEL REPLICATING THAT TOO FOR THE WOMENS TEAM!!! #WWCQualifiers #WomensWorldCup

— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) April 17, 2025

Fantastic achievement by Pakistan women cricket team. Well played.
They have qualified for Women’s ODI World Cup, to be held in India later this year, Pakistan will play all their matches at a neutral venue.

— 𝐍.𝐃.𝐑 (@SirAnnDee) April 17, 2025

Women PCT qualified for the World cup without any loss Masha'Allah
I hope the WC also goes well for us Insha'Allah

— Saba. 🇵🇸 (@JaaneJahaann) April 17, 2025

Pakistan women team Qualified for up coming women world. Cup 👏👏

Now it's time the host will realize how it's to travel outside of the country and mess other hosting a event #BackOurGirls

— Shahzaib (@Shahzoo_khi) April 17, 2025

Congratulations to our women’s cricket team.Not only did you qualify, but now all of Pakistan’s matches will have to be held outside India. The nation is proud of you.#WCQ #PakistanCricket https://t.co/FFoY0WttGH

— Kiran Khan (@HelloKiranKhan) April 17, 2025

Kohli Sets Sights on World Cup 2027 Glory!

Every cricket follower looks forward to sleepless nights as the bub of the television super cycle nears, so much indulges towards other day-to-day activity to catch packed moments of action should satisfaction ever be attained as every fateful death overs on a game drives so much affect that only addicts can savor the thrill needed.“I don’t know much about the future but let's just say, trying to win the next World Cup which is in 2027 isn’t too farfetched.” While seeking clarification posed by ‘Times Now’, these are the words that Kohli comments which goes handy with why and how he fandom from respective players. Kohli’s, aka the run machine’s booming statement surely splatters about his never-ending quest in terms of world cup. In the past decade and half, Kohli has grown as one of the most refined athletes of India and is suggested to be even better in representation and Communication everywhere, but to assert such a statement, an individual also needs to admire the small achievements along the way. Kohli overlooks India needing to shift its focus from a cricketing superpower to cricketing brand and hosting tournaments only wont help gain third & highest population playing country to that. Rather, billions holding munition packed utterly sensational paced entertainment soaked action over the hill comps take on happening to. 

VIRAT KOHLI AT THE 2027 WORLD CUP.

- Kohli confirms World Cup as his next big step. 🐐🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/SJExtQIHtk

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) April 1, 2025

Also Read:-First Indian to Take 4 Wickets on IPL Debut – Ashwin Kumar Makes History!

India’s sole Road to Glory! 

Have to agree along, the effort Kohli is intently indulging into is something creative, deep & root-based where one will have to endure in sheer athletic gratification proves cash is no longer the king scepter, then this deeply systematic structure is crying out for charm and magic. Anything underworld under popular misconception is indeed a lacking point despite most assume because once heard literally holding senses to succumb explains how wonders stem across unimaginably bursting spheres of super realms based action without complexities , entertains filled bound utterly chaotic transcend frames unscripted captured throughout in expressing oneself free being.

As Bangladesh's head coach, who is a former player for the West Indies Phil Simmons will be in charge until the ICC World Cup 2027. With his wealth of knowledge from years on the coaching staff, Bangladesh hopes to have fortified its ranks to compete for the major tournaments more aggressively than before. 

Simmons Takes Over From Hathurusingha:

Simmons takes over from Chandika Hathurusingha. Chandika had taken the Bangladeshi side through many lows and highs, which accompanied much success too. During Hathurusingha’s tenure, in 2017 Bangladesh's cricket team had a historic win by reaching the champions trophy semifinals and also went on to register remarkable ODI series wins against India, Pakistan and South Africa. But due to lackluster performances in global competitions, often a new coach is appointed.

Phil Simmons appointed as Bangladesh head coach until the 2027 World Cup

Read More - https://t.co/1ivoci2OQR#dhakanews #cricket #worldcup #headcoach #PhilSimmons #brazil #argentina #26March #hamzachoudhury #KuCoin #IndependenceDay #Telegram #Vinicius #locked #shivangijoshi pic.twitter.com/dF9g7rENTM

— Digitaldhakanews (@Dhakanews011) March 26, 2025

Also read:Siraj & Stoinis: A fierce battle and an unfortunate incident

Phil Simmons' Coaching Experience and Career Like Achievements

Simmons who used to be an all rounder for the West Indies, played 26 Test matches and 143 one day internationals, in which he scored more than 4000 runs and took 87 wickets cumulatively. While coaching, Simmons was the man who guided the West Indies in the T20 World Cup of 2016, as well as serving with Afghanistan and Ireland, where he made the teams competitive.

 Also read:SRH vs LSG : Match 07 Weather and Pitch report IPL 2025

By putting in effort with Bangladesh, Simmons aims to help them be ready for the 2027 world cup in which Bangladesh plans and hopes to succeed internationally

A Legacy to Complete

After achieving victory in the Champions Trophy in 2025, Rohit is now set to win the World Cup India last claimed in 2011. He stated, Winning the World Cup for India is the ultimate goal. I want to give my everything to achieve it.

Rohit has been central to India's past World Cup efforts which is why he knows how much the tournament matters to the nation. He also feels with a good Indian side coupled with the right approach, it is possible to win back ODI cricket's most coveted trophy.Rohit will be 39 years of age at the time of the 2027 World Cup but is happy to continue leading them in all aspects of the game as the captain and a top-order batter. He has started to build a team that will be able to cope with the pressure that comes with performing on the biggest stage.

CAPTAIN ROHIT SHARMA IS COMING FOR 2027 WORLD CUP. 🌟

- Captain Rohit talking about his Ultimate dream to win 2027 WC for India..!!!! 🇮🇳pic.twitter.com/a9kB7uAwFJ

— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) March 11, 2025

ALSO READ:-Varun Chakravarthy Praises Rohit Sharma’s Captaincy After Champions Trophy Victory

• As it is under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma that India’s chances of winning a third title are at an all time high, it will be interesting to see if his dream becomes a reality and if the fans get to witness the impossible.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma is not ready to take it easy yet. As per Cricbuzz reports, Rohit has a carefully planned strategy to maintain fitness levels and stay in competition for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup.

For ensuring that he stays at his prime, Rohit will have his trusted mentor and coach, Abhishek Nayar, regularly in touch. There will be focus on his fitness, shaping his batting talent, and forming his general outlook towards the sport.

ALSO SEE: India’s Top-Ranked ODI Batting Unit: One of the Greatest ODI Batting Units Ever

At 37, Rohit knows the harsh realities of playing top-level cricket but his love for the game remains undeterred. He has just led India in the 2023 World Cup, and even if there was disappointment at the end in the final, his leadership and batting were throughout greatly admired. Today, he intends to stay India's captain until the next World Cup cycle.

With experience, consistency, and a hunger for success, Rohit's journey to 2027 would be one to watch. Does he lead India to glory? Only time will say.

India Women Complete Dominant 3-0 ODI Series Sweep Against West Indies

In a commanding display of cricket, the Indian women's team defeated West Indies by five wickets in the third and final ODI on December 27, 2024, in Vadodara. With this victory, India sealed a 3-0 series sweep, consolidating their dominance on home soil.

Chasing a modest target of 163 runs, the Indian team showcased composure and skill, reaching the target in just 28.2 overs with five wickets to spare. The series win further solidifies India's position among the top teams in the ICC Women's Championship 2022-25 cycle, setting them on course for automatic qualification for the Women's World Cup 2025.

West Indies in a Tight Spot

This defeat, however, leaves the West Indies women's team in a precarious position. Currently placed ninth in the ICC Women's Championship standings with 14 points, their path to automatic qualification for the 2025 World Cup appears bleak. The top six teams in the standings secure direct entry to the tournament, while the bottom four must battle it out in a qualification tournament.

The West Indies have three matches remaining in the cycle, scheduled against England in May 2025. Even if they win all three and collect the maximum possible 20 points, their best-case scenario would see them rise to seventh place—still outside the top six required for automatic qualification.

ALSO READ:Sachin Tendulkar: Honored by MCC, Celebrating a Cricketing Legend

A Familiar Challenge for the West Indies

This scenario draws parallels with the predicament faced by the West Indies men's cricket team in recent years. The men's team failed to secure direct qualification for the 2023 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup in India, forced to enter the qualification tournament. Despite their efforts, they did not advance to the main event, missing out on the global stage entirely.

For the West Indies women's team, the challenge now is clear. They must regroup, prepare for their remaining fixtures, and face the likelihood of competing in the qualifiers to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

🚨 West Indies fail to secure automatic qualification to the #CricketWorldCup 2025

With a 0-3 defeat against India, Hayley Matthews' side now moves into the qualifiers. #INDvWI pic.twitter.com/JJT3e63p4V

— Women’s CricZone (@WomensCricZone) December 27, 2024

India's Bright Outlook

Meanwhile, the Indian team can take pride in their clinical performance in the series, which underscores their readiness for future challenges. With strong individual performances and cohesive team efforts, they continue to be a formidable force in women's cricket.

The 3-0 series sweep serves as a testament to India's depth and quality in all aspects of the game, providing a significant boost as they aim for a strong finish in the ICC Women's Championship and a successful campaign at the 2025 World Cup on home soil.

In the gripping clash between India and New Zealand on July 10, 2019, during the World Cup semifinal, Martin Guptill’s dramatic run-out of MS Dhoni marked the pinnacle of the match, bringing an end to the illustrious career of the Indian cricket icon. Although Guptill has moved forward, the memory still lingers, accompanied by a barrage of disdainful messages from passionate Indian fans.

Renowned for his white-ball cricket prowess in New Zealand, Guptill has become a lasting figure in India as the player who dashed the hopes of a billion Indians, attributing the crucial moment to sheer chance. Speaking during the 2023 Legends League Cricket in Dehradun, representing the Urbanisers Hyderabad squad, he shared his perspective on the pivotal moment. Acknowledging the improbable precision of his throw with only one and a half stumps visible, he modestly labeled it a stroke of luck.

Guptill’s Precision Run-out and the Fateful Moment That Altered India’s World Cup Destiny

“It happened so quickly in the moment. All I remember was seeing the ball go up, and then I thought, oh no, it’s coming more towards me. So, I put the skates on to get on with that run. I knew there was no chance of a throw at the stumps, but I just tried to have a shot and only had one and a half stumps to aim at, and I just got lucky. The stars aligned, and it was a perfect throw. In other words, the whole of India doesn’t like me. I get plenty of hate mails from there,” said Guptill, as quoted by Hindustan Times.

The run-out proved to be the turning point that dashed India’s hopes of winning the World Cup. In the semifinal, after setbacks losing Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya, Dhoni partnered with Ravindra Jadeja, fostering hope in India’s chase of 240 against New Zealand. Their cautious approach led to a resilient 116-run stand for the seventh wicket across 17.2 overs. However, Jadeja fell victim to Trent Boult’s deceptive slower delivery, leaving Dhoni as the last bastion in the tense battle.

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Facing a sharp bouncer from Lockie Ferguson, the seasoned Ranchi batter’s response fell slightly delayed, edging the ball behind square. In a daring move, he risked a second run as no fielder guarded that spot. Guptill, stationed at fine leg, sprinted in, deftly retrieved the ball, and executed a precise strike at the stumps. Dhoni’s dive fell inches short of the crease as the ball dislodged the bails, sealing his dismissal and India’s hopes.

India and Australia both were among the favorites coming into the tournament. Both sides have a lot of history behind them. Over the last decade alone, the head-to-head, player match-ups and encounters across formats have just grown. From Steve Smith vs Virat Kohli to both sides flexing their fast bowling strength the journey has had its magic.

The WTC Final in 2023 was said to be the culmination of it all. However, fortune has it that the two sides get a chance to go at it again. A good chunk of both sides were in the squad back in 2013 when Australia famously toured India for four Tests and later seven ODIs. David Warner and Steve Smith were growing but still in their early days. Mitchell Starc was in Mitchell Johnson’s shadow and Josh Hazlewood was still on the sidelines.

For India, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were just getting in. Rohit Sharma started opening and Ravindra Jadeja was as much of a bits and pieces cricketer as one could be. The two sides though went on to face off in some classics over the decade. In 2015 Steve Smith haunted India. He lived rent free in their minds with his dominance in the Test series that summer and then a century in the World Cup Semi-Finals to bat India out of the game.

Virat Kohli got him back though in 2016, as he ran Australia to the ground in Mohali. The encounters kept building. In 2017, Australia shook India with a Test win in Pune and India responded with two series wins in Australia. The second in 2021 is one that will stay a classic with India winning despite losing a handful of players to injury.

Their encounters over the decade though served as a clear indication as to who the best teams are. While England did boss the white-ball formats, it was India and Australia who were silently threatening and bringing the game to life.

After a decade of feisty and friendly encounters, both stand at the biggest of stages. A Cricket World Cup Final at Ahmedabad in front of 100000 spectators. World Cup Finals often hand interesting perspectives. In the past they have been played with teams defying the odds like India in 1983 or even to some extent New Zealand in 2019. Sri Lanka and Pakistan did the same in 1996 and 1992 respectively.

Australia and India did face of once already and the encounter feels like it took place a long time ago. Battling it out in Chepauk, the game turned out to be another classic with Australia fighting despite losing the game. The loss threw them off their rhythm though with Adam Zampa looking lost, their keeper dropped and their all-rounders not doing their job. Freakish wins though got them back.

India on the other end have been as clinical as ever. Winning ten in a row, they have hardly been under pressure. Barring moments like the Williamson-Mitchell partnership in the Semi’s or when they were 2 for 3 against Australia, it has been pretty smooth.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma took turns to stand up. Bumrah and Shami have hardly allowed their radar to go missing. Overall, very few players in the side have had successive failures. Finals or knockouts for that manner remain a massive challenge. In 2019 as well, India were just as clinical only to falter with their players going through a really bad day in the Semi-Finals.

Australia know the Indian Team really well to go with it, and if anyone could make the Indian Team falter it is them. The upcoming encounter incidentally isn’t their first World Cup encounter at Ahmedabad. India and Australia faced off at the same venue back in 2011. Both captains were not in the squad then. Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin were the only ones to play that game from the current squads. Steve Smith was around too but was benched for that game.

It was that very ground that saw Australia’s 12-year streak of winning World Cups come to an end. Now, Australia will be eager and will back themselves to return the favour, breaking a 10-game winning streak by the Indian Team.

After a long tournament that has tested the stamina of players and fans alike, we are finally at the last hurdle. Two powerhouses who have built one of the fiercest rivalries in the century face off. They faced off in a Final back in 2003 with Australia batting India out of the game. If Australia races ahead early, flashes of that game are likely to come out, putting a lot of heat on the Indians. Fans remember it well as will the commentary box, which has both Sourav Ganguly and Ricky Ponting, captains of that encounter.

The current group themselves have had their fair share of encounters in the last decade. There is potential for more but this could well be the last time we see some of these players face off at the biggest of stages. With their next big encounter potentially in the 2024 T20 World Cup or the Australian Test summer in 2024, nobody knows who will be around up until then. For now, the Final ahead gives a lot to lament, remember, be nervous about, and celebrate.

Winning titles is in Australia’s DNA. Finals often do end up being one-sided and if either side gets going, mainly Australia with their attitude on the big stage, it could unfold quickly. The last World Cup Final is remembered as one of the best ODIs ever. Now, with two of the best in the century at the big stage it will be interesting to see what they have to offer.

No team carries the baggage and feels the pain of the World Cup knock-outs like South Africa. From facing a scenario where rain took their target down to 22 off 1 ball to watching the South Africans shed tears on the field in 2015, South Africa has seen all the lows possible. They came into this World Cup as well with not many giving them a chance. Their dismal performance in 2019 had many writing them off with a similar unit coming together again. South Africa though has rallied really well and is rolling strong.

Australia too was written off early on. Losing a series to South Africa and then losing their first two games in the tournament had many betting against them. Australia though in Australian fashion is now back and is looking very commanding. They have had some adrenaline-generating wins on the way and walk in really high on confidence.

AUS vs SA Match Details

Date: November 16th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

AUS vs SA Weather Report

There has been some rain on the radar for both the 16th and the reserve day on the 17th.

AUS vs SA Pitch Report

Eden Gardens has seen some big scores but has also been a little challenging for the batters. The track tends to get slower as the game goes on and batting first is proving to be an advantage at the venue.

AUS vs SA Head-to-Head

AUS vs SA Predicted Playing XI

SA Playing XI

Quinton De Kock, Temba Bavuma, Rassie Van Der Dussen, Aiden Markaram, Henrich Klaasan, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj

AUS Playing XI

David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne/ Marcus Stoinis, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

AUS vs SA Key Players

David Warner

David Warner has been in really good form through the tournament. He is cementing his spot as an ODI Goat and with two games left in his Final World Cup, David Warner will be eager to go out with a bang, ensuring he does get both games to play.

Quinton De Kock

For Quinton De Kock the upcoming game could be his Final ODI. He along with David Miller know the pressure of a Semi-Final better than anyone in the side and were a part of the star studded group in 2015. Now, with a lot more experience, Quinton De Kock will be eager to ensure he does not repeat what happened in 2015, particularly with his keeping where he was involved in a fumble causing a missed run-out.

AUS vs SA Match Tips

South Africa has had the better of Australia all year. Australia though know how to play at the big stage and are a transformed side from what they were six weeks ago. South Africa too with their record in knock-outs will be one to watch given their previous history.

Match Prediction: Australia Will Win the Match

The Final League game of the World Cup is here. The Netherlands are around fighting for a spot in the Champions Trophy while India comes in looking to end the group stage unbeaten. The Netherlands in particular will be pleased with how the tournament has gone. Two wins and some competitive performances are pretty heartening, despite their standing on the points table.

IND vs NED Match Details

Date: November 12th, 2023

Time:  2:00 PM IST

Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

IND vs NED Weather Report

The weather looks pretty clear for the upcoming fixture.

IND vs NED Pitch Report

Bangalore has been pretty high scoring through the tournament and will be easy to bat on in this Final league game.

IND vs NED Head-to-Head

IND vs NED Predicted Playing XI

NED Playing XI

Vikramjit Singh, Max O Dowd, Scott Edwards, Wesley Barresi, Bas De Leede, Teja Nidamanuru, Roloef Van Der Merwe, Colin Ackermann, Logan Van Beek, Paul Van Meekeren, Aryan Dutt

IND Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammad Shami, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj

See Also: Uncertainty surrounds Lockie Ferguson’s fitness

IND vs NED Key Players

Mohammad Shami

Mohammad Shami has made a quick impact after being left out in the initial stages of the tournament. He is in really good form, and a good showing here will leave him high on confidence ahead of the Semi-Finals.

Scott Edwards

The Netherlands skipper has been in pretty good form throughout the tournament. He is a proven consistent performer and has shown that so far. With one game to go, Scott Edwards will be eager to give a fight and push for a spot in the Champions Trophy.

IND vs NED Match Tips

India come in as favorites after a strong showing all tournament.

Match Prediction: India Will Win the Match