The heat is on in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, and things just got way more intense. Former England captain Nasser Hussain has fired a major warning shot at the England team just before their high-stakes clash with India on October 19. Look, India’s in a tough spot after two straight defeats, and now every single game feels like a final.
Key Takeaways
- Nasser Hussain warns England that they’ll need a full team effort to beat India, not just relying on one or two players.
- India is under immense pressure, needing at least two wins from their last three matches to have a shot at the semi-finals.
- India’s Head Coach Amol Muzumdar is considering a strategy change after back-to-back three-wicket losses exposed bowling weaknesses.
- England is in good form under new coach Charlotte Edwards and currently sits second in the points table.
- India’s Pratika Rawal is a standout performer, leading the team’s run chart with 180 runs in four matches.
India’s Campaign on Thin Ice
So, what’s all the fuss about? India, one of the tournament favorites, has stumbled badly. They suffered back-to-back losses against South Africa and Australia, and what’s worse, both were identical three-wicket defeats. It’s a pattern that has everyone worried.
These losses have exposed some serious cracks. Head coach Amol Muzumdar admitted that the team’s five-bowler strategy might need a rethink. There are real questions about the team’s bowling depth and a batting approach that some are calling too conservative. You can’t afford that in a World Cup.
Expert Analysis: Hussain’s Hard Truths
Here’s the thing, Nasser Hussain isn’t buying the idea that India is a two-player team. He’s challenged the notion that it’s all about openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal. “To beat India, you cannot rely on one or two players,” he stated, pointing to the contributions of Jemimah Rodrigues and Deepti Sharma down the order.
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But he also laid down the reality for India. “Every game now feels like a knock-out,” Hussain said on October 17. He’s basically telling the Indian team that this is their chance to prove what they’re made of. The pressure is on, and the world is watching.
The Australian Blueprint
It seems other teams have already figured out a plan. Australian captain Alyssa Healy revealed her team deliberately went after India’s pace bowlers. After assessing the conditions, they targeted what they saw as an inexperienced attack, and it paid off. Now, England has a blueprint to follow.
England’s New Groove
And what about England? They’re looking dangerous. Under their new coach, Charlotte Edwards, the team is playing with more clarity and accountability. They’re currently sitting pretty at second on the points table.
Yeah, they got a bit lucky when rain saved them from a potential defeat against Pakistan on October 15, but you make your own luck. They’re coming into this match with confidence, while India is fighting for survival. It’s a perfect storm for a dramatic showdown.
So, who’s going to crack under pressure? India needs at least two wins from their remaining games against England, New Zealand, and Bangladesh to even think about the semis. For them, the knockout stage has already begun. Don’t miss this match on October 19. It’s going to be a nail-biter.



