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 scheduled for September 30. The tournament will kick off with hosts India taking on Sri Lanka in Guwahati, India. While the strong Australian team enters the event as the defending champions, India is also among the favorites to lift the trophy.

Here, we highlight some key bowlers who could make a significant impact on their teams’ fortunes throughout the tournament.

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### #1 Sneh Rana | India

Indian off-spinner Sneh Rana has emerged as a formidable force in Women’s ODIs. With 21 wickets at an average of 22.09, she is India’s leading wicket-taker in the format so far this year. Given that the pitches in India and Sri Lanka are traditionally slow, Rana’s accurate and effective middle-over spells could prove pivotal in changing the course of matches.

In addition to her bowling prowess, the 31-year-old all-rounder can also contribute valuable runs with the bat, making her a crucial asset for India.

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### #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 side at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Sandhu has been consistently impressive throughout 2025, claiming 16 wickets in the ongoing year at an excellent average of 18.31. Her economy rate of 4.01 stands out as sensational, highlighting her ability to contain runs while taking wickets.

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### #3 Nonkululeko Mlaba | South Africa

South Africa will rely heavily on their in-form left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba during 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, underlining her control and effectiveness.

Mlaba also had an outstanding Women’s T20 World Cup campaign last year. She picked up 12 wickets at a brilliant average of 11.33, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

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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. She boasts an impressive career tally of 125 wickets at an average of less than 20 in the format.

Although Ecclestone missed the recent West Indies series due to injury, she has since returned to domestic cricket, regaining her rhythm with Lancashire. In 2025, she has taken 12 wickets across six WODIs at a superb economy rate of 4.25.

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As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 unfolds, keep an eye on these game-changing bowlers who could influence the fate of their teams and the trophy race.
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