The venues for the semifinal and final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 have been officially confirmed following South Africa’s commanding win over Pakistan in Colombo. With this result, Pakistan became the only winless team in the tournament, ending their campaign without a single victory in six games.

🏏 South Africa Outplay Pakistan in Rain-Hit Encounter

The Proteas Women defeated Pakistan Women in a rain-affected match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on October 21. Despite weather interruptions that reduced the game to 60 overs, South Africa displayed all-round dominance.

Batting first, South Africa posted a formidable 312/9 in 40 overs, thanks to solid half-centuries from Laura Wolvaardt, Sune Luus, and Marizanne Kapp. Nadine de Klerk added the finishing fireworks with a blistering 41 off just 16 balls, propelling the team past the 300-run mark.

In the second innings, rain again threatened to disrupt proceedings, but the Proteas managed to complete the minimum 20 overs required to constitute a result. Eventually, South Africa won by 150 runs (DLS method) — a victory that also sealed Pakistan’s elimination from the tournament.

🏟️ World Cup Semifinal and Final Venues Announced

Following Pakistan’s exit, the ICC officially confirmed the venues for the semifinal and final of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025:

• First Semifinal: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati
• Second Semifinal: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai (already confirmed earlier)
• Final: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

The decision was finalized after it became clear that Pakistan would not advance to the knockout stage. Their elimination ensured there was no longer a need for neutral-venue contingency plans involving Colombo.

❓ Why the Delay in Venue Confirmation?

The ICC had initially withheld confirmation of the semifinal and final venues due to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s qualification scenario.

Under a special bilateral agreement between the cricket boards of India and Pakistan, both nations’ matches in global ICC events (2024–2027 cycle) are to be played at neutral venues — a condition first introduced during planning for the Champions Trophy 2025.

Had Pakistan progressed to the knockouts, both the semifinal and final would have been held in Colombo, maintaining the neutral-ground policy. However, with Pakistan out of contention, the ICC confirmed the Indian venues without further delay.

🇿🇦 South Africa’s Campaign Back on Track

The win also bolstered South Africa’s semifinal hopes. The Proteas, led by Laura Wolvaardt, have been one of the most consistent sides in the competition. Their strong net run rate and superior middle-order performances — especially from Kapp, Luus, and de Klerk — have positioned them as serious title contenders.

With the group stage nearing its end, the semifinal line-up is expected to feature India, Australia, England, and South Africa, barring any major upsets in the remaining fixtures.

📅 Women’s World Cup 2025 Knockout Stage Schedule

• 1st Semifinal: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati – TBA
• 2nd Semifinal: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai – TBA
• Final: Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai – TBA

(Exact dates and matchups to be confirmed following the conclusion of the group stage.)

📰 Summary

• South Africa beat Pakistan by 150 runs (DLS method) in a rain-hit match.
• Pakistan officially eliminated — ending campaign winless.
• ICC confirms semifinal at Guwahati and final at Navi Mumbai.
• Neutral-venue clause no longer applicable with Pakistan’s exit.
• South Africa, India, Australia, and England likely semifinalists.

In a major development, Rishabh Pant is set to make his much-awaited return to competitive cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced the India A squads for two four-day matches against South Africa A, scheduled to begin on October 30 at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. Pant will lead both squads, marking his comeback after recovering from a foot fracture that ruled him out of action during the England series.

🏏 Pant’s Comeback Ahead of Key Home Series

The selection marks a significant step in Pant’s gradual return to full-time cricket. The star wicketkeeper-batter, who has been out for months due to a foot injury sustained during the England Tests, has been undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

His comeback in the India A setup is viewed as a crucial warm-up ahead of India’s full home series against South Africa, featuring two Tests, three ODIs, and five T20Is starting November 14.

BCCI confirmed the news in an official statement:

🔁 Two Different Squads for the Two Matches

To manage player workloads and align with the international schedule, the BCCI has named two separate India A squads for the two matches.

• The first four-dayer starts on October 30,
• The second four-dayer begins on November 6, after the completion of India’s ODI series against Australia.

The second match will feature senior players returning from national duty — including KL Rahul, Dhruv Jurel, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.

Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan has been appointed vice-captain for both matches, underscoring his growing stature in India’s red-ball setup.

📋 India A Squad Details

India A Squad – 1st Four-Day Match

• Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
• Ayush Mhatre
• N Jagdeesan (WK)
• Sai Sudharsan (VC)
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Rajat Patidar
• Harsh Dubey
• Tanush Kotian
• Manav Suthar
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Gurnoor Brar
• Anshul Kamboj
• Yash Thakur
• Ayush Badoni
• Saransh Jain

India A Squad – 2nd Four-Day Match

• Rishabh Pant (C & WK)
• KL Rahul
• Dhruv Jurel (WK)
• Sai Sudharsan (VC)
• Devdutt Padikkal
• Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Harsh Dubey
• Tanush Kotian
• Manav Suthar
• Khaleel Ahmed
• Gurnoor Brar
• Abhimanyu Easwaran
• Prasidh Krishna
• Mohammed Siraj
• Akash Deep

⚡ Pant’s Leadership Return — Symbol of Confidence

Pant’s appointment as captain indicates the selectors’ faith in his leadership and fitness levels. Sources suggest this move will allow the southpaw to test his match readiness and regain rhythm ahead of India’s international home season.

Cricket pundits believe that his performances here will play a key role in determining his inclusion in India’s Test squad vs South Africa. The India A series, often seen as a bridge between domestic and international cricket, will thus serve as a perfect comeback platform for Pant.

🏟️ South Africa A Tour Details

• Venue: BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
• Format: Two four-day matches
• Dates:
  • 1st Match – October 30 to November 3
  • 2nd Match – November 6 to November 10

The matches will also help selectors assess fringe players like Sai Sudharsan, Padikkal, and Tanush Kotian in the red-ball format before the senior team’s next cycle of international fixtures.

Star India wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel has finally announced himself on the grand stage of Test cricket. The 23-year-old played a memorable knock of 125 runs off 210 deliveries against the West Indies in the ongoing first Test, marking his maiden Test century.

The innings not only steadied India’s middle order but also showcased the temperament and patience that selectors had long seen in Jurel. Coming in when India needed stability, Jurel combined solid defence with calculated strokeplay, earning applause from teammates, commentators, and fans alike.

From Rishabh Pant’s absence to seizing his chance

Jurel’s inclusion came after Rishabh Pant was ruled out due to injury. While filling Pant’s shoes is no small task, Jurel seized the opportunity with confidence. His century was not just about runs on the board—it was about sending a message that India’s bench strength in Test cricket remains formidable.

The secret: Visualisation as preparation

Speaking after his ton, Jurel credited his performance to mental conditioning and visualisation techniques.

This mental preparation, he said, makes him feel ready for high-pressure scenarios even before stepping onto the field.

Staying motivated despite limited chances

Since making his debut, Jurel has featured in only five Test matches. More often than not, he has been on the bench, waiting patiently for opportunities. When asked about how he keeps himself motivated, the young wicketkeeper was candid:

This resilience and discipline, he believes, have helped him stay prepared for big moments like this century.

What this knock means for Indian cricket

Jurel’s hundred is significant not just personally but also for India’s Test team. With competition for the wicketkeeper-batter’s slot heating up, performances like this put him firmly in the reckoning for long-term inclusion. His calm under pressure and adaptability against both pace and spin make him a strong candidate for India’s future Test campaigns.

Fans and former cricketers have already started drawing parallels with legendary Indian keepers who made their mark early. For now, though, Jurel is focused on consistency and contributing whenever the team needs him.

✅ Refined Highlights:

• Maiden Test century (125 runs) against West Indies.
• Credits visualisation techniques for his success.
• Admits struggles with motivation when not picked but stays disciplined.
• Seen as a strong contender for India’s long-term wicketkeeper-batter role.