While bowlers often dictate the ebb and flow of matches, it is the batters who frequently set the tone in high-pressure encounters. In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, several elite players from across the globe are expected to dominate proceedings and steer their teams toward success.
With matches likely to be decided by timely innings rather than sheer volume of runs, here’s a closer look at the eight batters tipped to make a significant impact.
Australia – Beth Mooney
Beth Mooney has been in sensational form throughout 2025. She has consistently scored double figures in every ODI this year, including one of the fastest hundreds in women’s ODIs against India. Mooney’s ability to anchor the innings while pacing her attack makes her invaluable for Australia, particularly in tight matches. Across the recent series against India, she amassed 233 runs in three innings, showcasing both composure and match-winning ability under pressure.
Bangladesh – Sharmin Akhter Supta
Sharmin Akhter has emerged as Bangladesh’s most consistent batter in 2025, surpassing 20 runs in seven of eight ODI innings during qualifiers. Her unbeaten 94 against Thailand highlighted her ability to hold the innings together. At 29, Supta brings the experience Bangladesh will need to remain competitive in just their second World Cup appearance. The clash with Pakistan in their opener will test her skill against high-quality bowling attacks.
England – Natalie Sciver-Brunt
England captain Natalie Sciver-Brunt combines elegance with power, making her a dual threat as both stabiliser and aggressor. She has scored four fifties in ODIs this year and ranks second in the ICC ODI Batter Rankings. Her career strike rate of over 90 and an average above 40 demonstrate her ability to influence games consistently. Known for rising to the occasion—her 148* in the 2022 World Cup final against Australia remains iconic—Sciver-Brunt will be pivotal on slow pitches in India and Sri Lanka, particularly against quality spin.
India – Smriti Mandhana
India’s star opener Smriti Mandhana enters the tournament in red-hot form. Reclaiming the top spot in the ICC ODI Batter Rankings earlier this year, she has scored over 800 runs in 2025 at an average exceeding 60, including four centuries. Mandhana’s defining quality lies not just in the volume of runs but the timing of her contributions—often anchoring high-pressure chases and expertly navigating the new ball before targeting spinners in the middle overs. With over 4,800 ODI runs in her career, she is the most reliable Indian opener since Mithali Raj.
New Zealand – Georgia Plimmer
At just 20, Georgia Plimmer is already leaving a mark on international cricket. Her century against Sri Lanka in March was instrumental in securing a series win, followed by another ton for New Zealand A against England A. Ranked as New Zealand’s second-highest run-scorer in the past year, Plimmer’s challenge will be facing world-class pacers like Renuka Singh and Megan Schutt. How she handles the intensity of a global tournament could define New Zealand’s campaign.
Pakistan – Sidra Amin
Sidra Amin has enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, registering consecutive centuries against South Africa in September. In seven ODIs, she has crossed fifty consistently, establishing herself as Pakistan’s premier run-getter. At 33, Amin blends experience with a calm, calculated approach at the top of the order, making her a key figure in Pakistan’s hopes of advancing from the group stages.
South Africa – Marizanne Kapp
Veteran Marizanne Kapp returned to ODIs in 2025 with an immediate impact, scoring 121* against Pakistan. With over 130 ODIs under her belt, Kapp adds both experience and versatility to South Africa’s batting line-up. While Laura Wolvaardt remains the long-term anchor, Kapp’s ability to shift gears in the middle overs offers South Africa a strategic edge in high-stakes matches.
Sri Lanka – Harshitha Samarawickrama
Harshitha Samarawickrama has been Sri Lanka’s most dependable batter in recent years. At 27, she is entering her prime, and her technique allows her to counter both pace and spin effectively. With four fifties in 2025, including a 77 against South Africa, Samarawickrama provides stability in the middle overs, complementing Chamari Athapaththu’s aggressive starts. Her performances could prove decisive in Sri Lanka’s bid to compete against the tournament favourites.