Pakistan Women vs Ireland Women: The race to the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup is heating up in Lahore, Pakistan, where six determined teams—Pakistan, Ireland, West Indies, Bangladesh, Scotland, and Thailand—are clashing for the last two coveted spots in the tournament. The qualifier matches are being held at the historic Gaddafi Stadium and the newly introduced Lahore City Cricket Association (LCCA) Ground, marking the latter’s debut as a host for women’s international cricket.
With India, Australia, England, New Zealand, South Africa, and Sri Lanka already having secured their positions based on the ICC Women’s Championship standings from 2022 to 2025, the remaining teams now face a tough round-robin format where consistency will be key. Each team will play five matches, and the top two finishers will head to the grand stage in India later this year.
Bangladesh and West Indies Enter as Favourites
Bangladesh Women, fresh off a historic maiden appearance in the 2022 ODI World Cup, enter this qualifier with renewed energy and a vastly improved squad. While they narrowly missed out on direct qualification due to net run rate, their potent bowling attack could prove to be a deciding factor.
Their lineup boasts Nahida Akter, the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the ICC Women’s Championship, supported by an impressive cast of bowlers like Fariha Trishna, Marufa Akter, and leg-spinners Shorna Akter, Rabeya Khan, and Fahima Khatun. Their depth and variation across bowling types make them a force to reckon with.
On the other side, West Indies Women find themselves in an unfamiliar position—fighting for a qualifying spot despite reaching the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. They heavily rely on the brilliant Hayley Matthews, who has been exceptional with both bat and ball, but the team’s overall lack of consistency raises concerns. Still, with veterans like Stafanie Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and Afy Fletcher, complemented by emerging talents such as Zaida James and Ashmini Munisar, West Indies has the arsenal to make it to India—provided the team gels together.
Pakistan Women vs Ireland Women: A Crucial Contest
The match-up between Pakistan Women and Ireland Women could very well be one of the most pivotal in the entire qualifying tournament. Pakistan, playing on home turf, carries the advantage of local conditions, but they also face immense pressure to deliver after a string of underwhelming performances.
Following their last ODI win in November 2023, Pakistan’s squad underwent a leadership transition, with the promising Fatima Sana taking over as captain. At just 23, she brings youthful energy and leads from the front as a key all-rounder. Pakistan’s hopes rest not just on her shoulders, but also on contributions from batters like Muneeba Ali, Gull Feroza, and Aliya Riaz, and the return of pace bowler Diana Baig adds balance to their bowling attack.
Meanwhile, Ireland Women are hungry to return to ODI World Cup action after nearly two decades. Though they’ve featured in several T20 World Cups, their ODI record has been lacking. However, they’ve been more active than many of their peers, playing 11 series and winning against solid teams like Scotland, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands.
Ireland’s recent progress indicates a team on the rise, and their eyes are firmly set on upsetting higher-ranked opponents. If they can pull off a win against the hosts in Lahore, it could swing the entire balance of the qualifiers.
The Wild Cards: Scotland and Thailand
Though Scotland and Thailand are relative newcomers to the ODI format, they bring with them a hunger and drive that make them dark horses in this qualification race. With just 17 ODIs for Scotland and nine for Thailand, both teams lack experience, but not ambition.
Scotland stunned many by beating Ireland in the 2023 ODI series and clinching a T20 World Cup qualification spot. Now, they aim to replicate that success in the 50-over format. Players like Kathryn Bryce and Sarah Bryce provide quality, and a cohesive team performance could put them in contention.
Thailand, on the other hand, may not have FTP status, but their story is one of resilience and quiet progress. With 11 players from the 2020 T20 World Cup squad, they bring valuable international experience. Though still considered outsiders, Thailand’s disciplined style and composure under pressure could lead to a breakthrough performance.
What’s at Stake: More Than Just World Cup Spots
Beyond qualification, this tournament could redefine the structure of future ICC events. For example, if Pakistan qualifies, their matches will be hosted outside of India, owing to political tensions. Sri Lanka and the UAE are being considered as alternate venues. This arrangement could impact tournament logistics, broadcasting, and fan attendance.
Moreover, if Scotland or Thailand earn qualification, it could spark broader discussions about expanding the FTP and ICC Women’s Championship to include more nations. These qualifiers, then, are not just about the two spots—they’re about shaping the future of global women’s cricket.
Conclusion: High Stakes, Higher Drama
As the Women’s ODI World Cup Qualifiers 2025 unfold, each match is a chapter in a larger narrative of ambition, redemption, and cricketing evolution. With established sides like Bangladesh, West Indies, and Pakistan vying for dominance, and underdogs like Ireland, Scotland, and Thailand eyeing history, fans are in for a thrilling ride.
Keep your eyes on Pakistan Women vs Ireland Women—a fixture that could define the outcome of the tournament and rewrite cricketing history for both nations.
