By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 29, 2025 | 11:00 AM
**What’s the story?**
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 is just around the corner, with the opening match set for September 30. The tournament will kick off with hosts India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, India. While the strong Australian unit enters the event as the defending champions, India is also among the favorites to lift the trophy.
Here are the key bowlers who could make a big difference in their teams’ fortunes at this tournament.
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### #1 Sneh Rana (India)
Indian off-spinner Sneh Rana has emerged as a formidable force in WODIs. With 21 wickets at an average of 22.09, she is India’s leading wicket-taker in the format this year. Given that the pitches in India and Sri Lanka are known to be slow and spin-friendly, Rana’s middle-over spells could be crucial in turning matches around.
It should also be noted that the 31-year-old all-rounder can contribute valuable runs with the bat, adding depth to India’s lineup.
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### #2 Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu made history recently by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to take a six-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI. She achieved this feat against a strong South African side at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Sandhu has been highly effective throughout 2025, claiming 16 WODI wickets at an impressive average of 18.31. Her economy rate of 4.01 further highlights her ability to keep the runs down while picking crucial wickets.
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### #3 Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa)
South Africa will look to their in-form left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba to make an impact in the competition. The 25-year-old has troubled batters consistently in 2025, taking 15 wickets in just eight matches at an average of 23.20, and maintaining an economy rate under five.
Mlaba had an excellent campaign in the Women’s T20 World Cup last year, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an exceptional average of 11.33.
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### #4 Sophie Ecclestone (England)
England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is currently the top-ranked women’s ODI bowler in the world. With 125 wickets in the format at an impressive average of under 20, she is a key asset for the English side.
Despite missing the recent West Indies series due to injury, Ecclestone regained her form in domestic cricket with Lancashire. In 2025, she has taken 12 wickets across six WODI matches at a stellar economy rate of 4.25.
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As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 approaches, keep an eye on these match-winning spinners who have the potential to change the course of games and lead their teams to glory.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/icc-women-s-odi-world-cup-bowlers-to-watch-out-for/story
