Women’s ODI World Cup race: New Zealand in danger after 0-2 loss to Australia

The race to qualify for the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup is heating up with less than a year left for the tournament to begin. India, as hosts, has already qualified, but nine other teams are still fighting for direct qualification. Australia, led by Alyssa Healy, dominated the ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 after beating New Zealand 2-0 in the recent three-match series.

The Australians finished with 39 points from 24 matches. India, currently ranked third, can reach a maximum of 37 points if they win their remaining two ODIs against the West Indies and their three ODIs against Ireland. The White Ferns are however in danger as they occupy sixth place and no longer have destiny in their hands, having played their 24 matches.

The top six teams will get direct qualification for the ODI World Cup next year. The four teams at the bottom of the women’s championship would fight for the remaining two places with two other teams in the ODI rankings. Bangladesh, ranked No. 7, have three matches remaining and have a realistic chance of beating New Zealand. The West Indies are ranked 9th, but can crack the top six.

New Zealand’s horror streak

On 23 December, New Zealand suffered their 15th consecutive defeat against Australia in women’s ODIs. The last time they beat their trans-Tasman rivals was in February 2017. On Monday, the White Ferns lost the third and final ODI by 75 runs at Wellington Basin Reserves.

Amelia Kerr took four wickets but Australia made a decent score of 290 in 49 overs thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s 50 and Ash Gardner’s 74. Rosemary Mair and Sophie Devine took three and two wickets respectively.

Annabel Sutherland, who recently scored consecutive ODI hundreds, and Alana King picked up three wickets each to help Australia bowl out their opponents for 215 in 43.3 overs.