The Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, is slated to begin on September 30th. New Zealand is getting a head start on their preparations, arriving in India a month and a half ahead of the tournament to set up a practice camp. They are training at the Chennai Super Kings Academy.
The team has organized a two-week camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, capitalizing on Chennai’s spin-friendly conditions. Following this camp, the team will head home before playing an ODI series against England in Dubai, another venue that aids spinners.
Head Coach Ben Sawyer explained the team’s early arrival was driven by the lack of cricket opportunities in New Zealand during the current winter. The squad has brought seven contracted players and added three more. The players are enjoying valuable cricket time in India, and the initial experiences have been positive.
Players like Jess Kerr, Georgia Plimmer, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Emma McLeod are part of the training camp. Izzy Sharp, Flora Devonshire, and Emma McLeod have been included as emerging talents.
Indian spinner Asha Shobhana is also assisting the team, with Head Coach Ben Sawyer noting the benefits of her expertise for the New Zealand players. Asha plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Women’s Premier League.
New Zealand will play Australia on October 1st in their opening match of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025. Their match against India is scheduled for October 23rd at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. The semi-finals will be held on October 29th and 30th, and the final on November 2nd.