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.

Mumbai batter’s move to Maharashtra starts on a disappointing note as his poor red-ball form continues.

Prithvi Shaw’s much-anticipated debut for Maharashtra in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 season got off to a disastrous start as the right-handed batter was dismissed for a four-ball duck against Kerala, a team led by Sanju Samson.

The 25-year-old, who recently made the move from Mumbai to Maharashtra in search of a fresh start, found himself trapped LBW by Nidheesh MD in the opening over of the innings. Shaw’s dismissal came amid a top-order collapse that left Maharashtra reeling at 0/3 in just 1.1 overs.

Maharashtra’s horror start in opening fixture

After Shaw’s early dismissal, Kerala pacers maintained relentless pressure.

• Arshin Kulkarni fell for a golden duck off Basil NP, while
• Siddhesh Veer edged one behind to keeper Mohammed Azharuddeen on the very next delivery.

Within minutes, the scoreboard read 0/3, and soon 5/4 as captain Ankit Bawne also departed cheaply. The early collapse completely derailed Maharashtra’s innings in their opening red-ball match of the season.

Star-studded clash: Samson vs Gaikwad

The game attracted attention for its lineup of high-profile names.
While Shaw and Ruturaj Gaikwad bolstered Maharashtra’s side, Sanju Samson made his return to first-class cricket for Kerala after being left out of India’s ODI squad for the upcoming Australia tour.

Gaikwad, batting at number four, was tasked with stabilizing the innings after the early damage.

Prithvi Shaw’s search for redemption

For Shaw, this outing was expected to mark the beginning of a turnaround. Once considered India’s next batting prodigy after his sparkling 2018 Test debut, Shaw has endured a rocky few years — both on and off the field.

Despite amassing 4,556 first-class runs at an average of 46.02, his career trajectory has been hindered by injuries, inconsistent form, and off-field controversies.

He was dropped from Mumbai’s Ranji squad last season, with questions raised about his discipline and fitness. His last outing for Mumbai came during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final in December 2024.

The switch to Maharashtra was seen as an opportunity for a fresh start — but his debut innings suggests his struggles may not be over yet.

The road ahead

Maharashtra will look to bounce back in the ongoing fixture, relying on senior players like Gaikwad, Bawne, and Naushad Shaikh to rebuild their campaign. For Shaw, the focus will be on rediscovering his touch and proving his red-ball credentials once again to selectors and fans alike.

As the Ranji season progresses, all eyes will be on whether the once-promising opener can script a redemption story and reignite his career in domestic cricket.