India will walk into The Rose Bowl in Southampton with momentum firmly in their favour, having recently edged England in a tightly contested five-match T20I series 3-2.

India eye continued dominance ahead of home ODI World Cup 2025

As the ODI series kicks off on Wednesday (June 16), the visitors will look to carry that confidence into the 50-over format, which takes on added significance with the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup set to be hosted in India later this year. With a near-flawless record this year, seven wins in eight matches, India have shown growing maturity and depth in their squad. They recorded comprehensive clean sweeps against West Indies and Ireland, and also lifted the ODI Tri-Series trophy in May, where their only blemish came against Sri Lanka.

On the other side, India are expected to continue investing in their emerging core while leaning on experienced names such as Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur to anchor innings. With the likes of Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar and Renuka Singh providing balance across departments, the Women in Blue appear both confident and settled. As both sides gear up for a high-quality series opener in Southampton, the ODI leg is set to not just decide bragging rights but also shape the form and mentality of two serious contenders for the upcoming World Cup.

England look to bounce back with full strength under Nat Sciver-Brunt

England, meanwhile, are entering this series with a point to prove. After being outgunned in the T20Is, the hosts now shift their attention to a format in which they traditionally hold greater comfort, particularly in home conditions. Following a 3-0 drubbing by Australia earlier this year, the England side rebounded well under the guidance of newly-appointed head coach Charlotte Edwards, notching up an emphatic series win against West Indies.

With the World Cup on the horizon, England will be desperate to use this ODI series to polish their plans and solidify team cohesion. The return of captain Nat Sciver-Brunt, who missed the back end of the T20I series due to a groin injury, will be a major boost. Her all-round capabilities provide England with a dynamic presence in both departments. Accompanying her resurgence will be the in-form duo of Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, who have been in excellent touch this year, scoring 359 and 283 runs respectively across five innings. Their experience at the top will be crucial in countering India’s varied bowling attack.

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Top 5 key battles to watch out for in the ENG vs IND Women’s ODI series

1. Smriti Mandhana vs Sophie Ecclestone

This is the ultimate clash between India’s in-form World No. 1 ODI batter, Smriti Mandhana (averaging over 45 in ODIs, with 11 ODI century), and England’s World No. 1 ODI bowler, Sophie Ecclestone (averaging 19.87 with 120 wickets). Ecclestone’s left-arm spin has troubled Mandhana in the past, including a recent Test match dismissal and close encounters in T20Is where Ecclestone’s tight lines restricted Mandhana’s scoring. Mandhana’s ability to counter Ecclestone’s control and variations, particularly in the middle overs, will be pivotal for India’s run-scoring. This direct duel will be a fascinating display of top-tier skill and tactical wit.

2. Natalie Sciver-Brunt vs Deepti Sharma

This is a heavyweight battle between two elite all-rounders. Nat Sciver-Brunt, England’s captain, is a dynamic middle-order batter with an ODI average of 46.26 and a consistent wicket-taker with her medium pace. Deepti Sharma, India’s experienced off-spinner, has an impressive ODI bowling average of 27.29 with over 135 wickets, and is a reliable lower-order batter. In their head-to-head ODI encounters, Deepti has successfully dismissed Sciver-Brunt on multiple occasions, showcasing her ability to outfox England’s key player. The outcome of their direct confrontation, whether it’s Sciver-Brunt’s power or Deepti’s guile, could significantly impact the game’s momentum.

3. Sophia Dunkley vs Arundhati Reddy 

This features England’s attacking opener Sophia Dunkley, who likes to score quickly (a ODI strike rate over 84 and a key player in England’s aggressive approach), against India’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Arundhati Reddy. Reddy, while having 11 ODI wickets at an average of 30.64, has shown good recent form, including 3 wickets in a recent T20I against England. Her ability to bowl consistently in the powerplay and middle overs, with subtle changes of pace, will be crucial. The battle will be whether Dunkley’s aggressive starts can negate Reddy’s early movement and accuracy, potentially leading to an exciting face-off at the top of the innings

4. Harmanpreet Kaur vs Kate Cross

India’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur is known for her explosive hitting in the middle overs, boasting an ODI strike rate of 75.26 and six centuries. She loves to take on pace. Opposing her will be England’s consistent seam bowler, Kate Cross, who relies on nagging line, length, and subtle variations. Cross, with 101 ODI wickets at an average under 25, excels at building pressure and inducing false shots. The contest will revolve around Harmanpreet’s aggressive intent to clear the ropes versus Cross’s disciplined approach to contain and ultimately dismiss India’s power-hitter, making it a critical phase for both teams.

5. Jemimah Rodrigues vs Charlie Dean 

This is a compelling battle between India’s elegant middle-order batter, Jemimah Rodrigues (averaging 60.00 in ODIs in 2025 so far), and England’s promising young off-spinner, Charlie Dean (who has taken 72 wickets in 42 ODIs at 21.29). Rodrigues’ strength lies in her exquisite timing and ability to play spin effectively, crucial for rotating strike and maintaining momentum. Dean, on the other hand, provides control and has a knack for picking up crucial wickets in the middle overs, having dismissed Indian batters in recent T20Is, including Rodrigues. The ability of Rodrigues to negate Dean’s spin and keep the scoreboard ticking will be vital for India’s innings progression.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.