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 begin with a face-off between hosts India and Sri Lanka in Guwahati, India. While the strong Australian team enters the event as defending champions, India is also among the favorites to lift the trophy.
Here are the key bowlers who could make a significant impact on their teams’ fortunes in this tournament:
### #1 Sneh Rana (India)
Indian off-spinner Sneh Rana has emerged as a formidable force in Women’s One Day Internationals (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 have the potential to change the course of any game. It’s worth noting that the 31-year-old all-rounder can also contribute valuable runs with the bat.
### #2 Nashra Sandhu (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s Nashra Sandhu made history last week by becoming the first left-arm Asian spinner to take a six-wicket haul in a Women’s ODI. She achieved this remarkable feat against a strong South African line-up at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Sandhu has been consistently effective throughout 2025, tallying 16 wickets in WODIs this year at an impressive average of 18.31. Additionally, her economy rate of 4.01 is sensational, making her a key bowler for Pakistan.
### #3 Nonkululeko Mlaba (South Africa)
South Africa will rely on their in-form left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba to make an impact in the competition. The 25-year-old has troubled batters throughout 2025, taking 15 wickets in just eight matches at an average of 23.20. Her economy rate has remained under five, highlighting her ability to contain runs effectively. Mlaba also had an outstanding Women’s T20 World Cup campaign last year, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker with 12 wickets at an average of 11.33.
### #4 Sophie Ecclestone (England)
England’s left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone is currently the top-ranked women’s ODI bowler in the world. She boasts an impressive career average of less than 20 for her 125 wickets in the format. Despite missing the recent West Indies series due to injury, Ecclestone returned to domestic cricket with Lancashire and quickly regained her form. In 2025 alone, she has taken 12 wickets across six WODIs at a remarkable economy rate of 4.25.
As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on these talented spinners who could turn matches in favor of their teams with their skillful bowling performances.
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