NEW DELHI (India): Former England cricket captain Nasser Hussain has underlined the high stakes for both India Women and England Women ahead of their crucial ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 encounter. The 20th match of the tournament will take place at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking exclusively in the JioStar Press Room, Hussain highlighted India’s urgency for a win to stay on track and stressed that England’s batting lineup must collectively step up to challenge a confident Indian side.
India under pressure but confident
Hussain observed: “It’s been an excellent tournament so far. England started brilliantly against South Africa and have had a bit of luck in recent matches, with reviews and weather interruptions helping them. India started well but lost two very close games despite playing good cricket. They’ll be wondering how they didn’t get any points from those. This makes their upcoming game in Indore a huge contest with a lot of significance.”
He noted that India faces pressure after losing two matches at home and cannot afford another setback, especially with New Zealand lurking behind in the points table. Hussain also added that India’s win against England in England last summer gives the team belief and confidence heading into this game.
England’s batting needs collective effort
Hussain emphasised that England’s bowling and fielding have been strong, with standout performances from Nat Sciver-Brunt, Heather Knight, Charlie Dean, Sophie Ecclestone, and Linsey Smith.
“However, the batting depends heavily on Sciver-Brunt and Knight. To overcome India, the whole batting unit must contribute, not just one or two players. Everyone has to play their part in this big contest,” Hussain said.
The former England skipper highlighted that handling pressure is key at this stage of the tournament, where every player feels the weight of making a significant impact.
Teams prepare at Indore
Ahead of the clash, both the Indian and England Women’s cricket teams were seen practicing at Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium, fine-tuning strategies and game plans for what promises to be a highly competitive encounter.
The match is expected to be a defining moment in the Women’s World Cup, with both teams vying for crucial points as the tournament approaches its business end.