ICC Women's World Cup 2025: Major Setback for Team India

The Indian women team's match against Australia Women in Visakhapatnam ended on a thrilling note with both teams giving their all by the end of the game. However, the Women in Blue ended on the losing side in the end for their second successive loss of the tournament.

Adding to this defeat, the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side has suffered another setback which can affect their campaign. India women's national cricket team have now been punished for maintaining a slow over-rate during the match after losing heartbreakingly to Australia in the Women's World Cup 2025 game. It was an iconic game between the two best women's cricket teams in the world.

India Women Cricket Team Fined for Breaching Code of Conduct

After taking into account time allowances, Team India fell one over short of their target. The ICC International Panel of Match Referees' Michell Periera issued the statement. According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which deals with minimum over-rate offenses, players who fail to bowl within the allotted time are penalized 5% of their match fee.

Alyssa Healy's team achieved the most successful run chase in Women's ODI history when they defeated India during the important World Cup game. The reigning champions won by three wickets with one over remaining after a record-breaking 331-run chase. India captain Harmanpreet Kaur pled guilty to the offense and accepted the suggested punishment; thus, there was no need for a formal trial. Kim Cotton was the third umpire, Jacqueline Williams was the fourth official, and on-field umpires Sue Redfern and Nimali Perera made the accusation.

The IND vs AUS women World Cup game was one of the most exciting competitions of the tournament, even with the disciplinary setback. With an incredible batting performance, Australia overcame India's formidable 330-run total, the most successful run chase in women's ODI history. Alyssa Healy, the captain, took the lead with a spectacular 142 off just 107 balls, her first as captain and sixth career hundred. Setting the tone for the chase, she scored a century off 84 balls and finished her innings with three sixes and 21 fours.

Smriti Mandhana sets new record

Opener Smriti Mandhana, who is second on the list of most centuries in women's cricket, carried on her incredible run and became the first player to reach 1,000 runs in a single calendar year in women's ODI cricket. Mandhana also set a new world record when she reached 5000 runs in just her 112th innings of the 50-over format. In addition to becoming the second Indian after Mithali Raj, she is the fifth player to achieve this milestone.

The vice captain of India broke the record held by Stafanie Taylor of the West Indies and was the fastest to reach the milestone. She also accomplished the feat in fewer than 6000 balls, making her the first person to do it. Although India's competitive total was built on her fluid innings, the Australians were able to write history in the end.

The Indian squad will now turn its attention to its upcoming matchup with England, which they must win, at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on October 19. The Women in Blue need to get back together quickly and sharpen their clock and ball skills after losing to South Africa and Australia in quick succession.