Harmanpreet Kaur misses out, Smriti Mandhana makes the cut:3 Indians headline Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 team of the tournament

India’s first-ever Women’s World Cup triumph in Navi Mumbai was more than just a historic win; it marked a major shift in world cricket. The victory symbolised a new era where the home team rose to the top, South Africa’s captain made history, and traditional powerhouses like Australia and England were challenged but not completely overshadowed. Selecting a ‘Team of the Tournament’ from such a thrilling competition is no easy task. It requires balancing statistics with match-winning performances, considering both league stage consistency and knockout heroics. The ideal eleven must reflect not just individual brilliance, but also the spirit and balance that defined this unforgettable World Cup. Here is a look at the team of the tournament. Smriti Mandhana (vc) India opener Smriti Mandhana had a stellar tournament, scoring 434 runs in nine matches at an impressive average of 54.25 and a strike rate of 99.09. Her standout knocks of 80 off 88 balls against Australia, 88 off 94 against England, and 109 off 95 against New Zealand showcased her class and consistency. Even in the final, her crucial 45-run innings laid the foundation for India’s historic triumph. Alyssa Healy (wk) Australia skipper Alyssa Healy ended the ODI World Cup 2025 with 299 runs in five innings at an average of 74.75 and a strike rate of 125.10. Her stunning knocks of 142 against India and an unbeaten 113 against Bangladesh defined Australia’s campaign. Leading from the front, she guided her team to the tournament’s semi-final. Laura Wolvaardt (C) South Africa skipper Laura Wolvaardt was the tournament’s standout batter, amassing 571 runs in nine matches at an average of 71.38 and a strike rate of 98.79. She scored centuries in both the semi-final and final, nearly carrying her team to glory. Her remarkable leadership also guided South Africa to a runner-up finish. Nat Sciver-Brunt England’s veteran all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt showcased her class, scoring 262 runs in eight matches at an average of 43.67 while also claiming nine wickets. Her all-round brilliance added depth to England’s batting and balance to their bowling attack, making her one of the most impactful players of the tournament. Ashleigh Gardner Ashleigh Gardner proved to be Australia’s ultimate game-changer, scoring 328 runs in five matches at a blistering strike rate of 130.16 while also taking seven wickets. Her explosive batting and crucial breakthroughs made her an invaluable asset, earning a well-deserved place in the tournament’s best XI. Deepti Sharma India all-rounder Deepti Sharma was the heartbeat of India’s title-winning campaign, scoring 215 runs and taking 22 wickets. Her all-round brilliance added balance and depth to the side, anchoring the middle order while delivering crucial breakthroughs with the ball. She was awarded the Player of the Tournament for her on-field brilliance. Marizanne Kapp Proteas all-rounder Marizanne Kapp made a huge impact with her all-round brilliance, taking 12 wickets at an average of 20.25 and scoring 208 runs in the tournament. Her sensational five-wicket haul in the semi-final played a key role in South Africa’s strong performance and their qualification for the final. Annabel Sutherland Annabel Sutherland powered Australia’s bowling attack, claiming 17 wickets in seven matches at an impressive average of 15.82 and an economy rate of 4.45. She also proved her batting strength with a brilliant unbeaten 98 against England, showcasing her resilience and all-round ability throughout the tournament. Sophie Ecclestone World No.1 ODI spinner Sophie Ecclestone lived up to expectations, taking 16 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.25 and an economy of 4.05. Her exceptional control in the middle overs and a crucial four-wicket haul in the semi-final, even against a dominant Wolvaardt, highlighted her class and composure under pressure. Nonkululeku Mlaba Nonkululeko Mlaba impressed with 12 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.67 and an economy below 5. Her crucial dismissal of Harmanpreet Kaur in the final stood out. The left-arm spinner’s ability to trouble both edges of the bat makes her a perfect complement to Sophie Ecclestone and Deepti Sharma in this line-up. Shree Charani On her World Cup debut, 21-year-old left-arm spinner Shree Charani impressed with 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 26.08. She showed excellent control during tough spells, maintaining pressure on opponents. Her disciplined bowling allowed India to strengthen their batting line-up while still keeping opposition batters in check.