Mumbai: In what is expected to be a key build-up to the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, India Women will host Australia for a three-match ODI series in Chennai starting Sunday, September 14. The series is scheduled just over two weeks before the likely World Cup kickoff around September 29, although the official tournament schedule is yet to be released.
The second and third ODIs will be played on September 17 and September 20, respectively, marking a historic return of women’s international cricket to Chepauk Stadium in Chennai. This will be the first women’s ODI at the venue in 18 years, the last being a quadrangular series featuring Australia, New Zealand, England, and India, in which Australia emerged victorious and India finished fourth.
Crucial Preparations for the Hosts
The series will offer the Indian women’s team a vital opportunity to fine-tune their combinations against one of the strongest sides in world cricket. India was heavily outplayed by Australia during their last bilateral ODI encounter in December, suffering a 3-0 whitewash in Albion and Perth.
However, since then, India has enjoyed a more promising run in the 50-over format. Earlier this year, they claimed the tri-series title in Sri Lanka, defeating the hosts in the final, after previously overcoming Ireland at home.
The Sri Lanka tri-series also saw the international debut of several young players, including all-rounder Kashvee Gautam, left-arm spinners Sree Charani and Shuchi Upadhyay, and pacer Kranti Goud. With this being the last ODI series before the World Cup, all eyes will be on the team selection and whether the rookies retain their places.
World Cup Line-Up Taking Shape
While India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka have qualified directly for the World Cup, Bangladesh and Pakistan secured their spots through a qualifying tournament held earlier this year.
However, uncertainty surrounds Pakistan’s matches in the tournament. As per a BCCI-PCB agreement finalized earlier in 2025 during Champions Trophy negotiations, Pakistan’s games may be held at a neutral venue due to security and diplomatic concerns. In a similar arrangement during the Champions Trophy, India’s matches were played in Dubai, including their clash against Pakistan.
Upcoming Tour of England Also on the Cards
Before the Australia series, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad is scheduled to tour England in August, where they will play three ODIs and five T20Is. The tour is being considered another crucial phase of preparation as the team looks to build rhythm and cohesion heading into the World Cup on home soil.
With Chepauk’s historic return, a powerhouse opponent, and the looming global tournament, this Australia series will not only test India’s bench strength but also shape their final squad and boost confidence in front of home crowds.
