2025 Women’s ODI World Cup: Lower Order Heroes Ghosh and de Klerk Shine

For most of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, the spotlight was on the lower order, who frequently saved innings, turned matches around, and redefined the roles of batters positioned from No. 8 to 11.

However, in the final, the top and middle-order batters performed so well that the tailenders weren’t required to contribute much, as the outcome was largely decided by the time they were needed.

The deeper narrative of the tournament was a peculiar symmetry: India and South Africa, teams renowned for their lower-order contributions, reached the final with identical outputs of 279 runs from their last four batters.

This pattern suggested that the lower-order heroes themselves had crafted a pathway to the final, illustrating that depth and resilience in the lower order are pivotal in shaping the outcome of a World Cup in modern women’s cricket.

Australia’s Template

The origins of this lower-order renaissance can be traced to Australia, long known for their extensive batting lineup.

“They bat so deep, and we know the talent they possess,” remarked Sophie Devine after New Zealand’s opening match defeat to Australia. “You can’t afford to ease off because they bat down to No. 11.”

This warning turned into reality against Pakistan when Australia, struggling at 76 for seven, witnessed No. 10 Alana King change the script with an unbeaten 51 under pressure, forging a record 106-run ninth-wicket stand with Beth Mooney.

The tournament stats emphasized this trend. The teams with the most effective lower orders made it to the semifinals: India and South Africa led, followed by England (214) and Australia (173).

Delivering Depth

Although Australia set the initial tone, the tournament’s defining display of lower-order prowess unfolded during the India versus South Africa clash, featuring standout performances from Richa Ghosh and Nadine de Klerk.

Batting at No. 8, Richa impressed with a top score of 94, maintaining competitiveness through stability and aggression when the top order faltered.

Entering at No. 8, De Klerk showcased why she is South Africa’s key finisher, amassing 208 runs from seven innings with a strike rate of 131.64 and an average of 52.

“We always knew Nadine was very talented. This year, her batting seems to have really clicked,” noted Marizanne Kapp after a dominant victory over Pakistan in Colombo. De Klerk teamed up with Kapp to plunder 52 runs off just 20 balls, reaching an individual score of 41 off 16 deliveries.

Statistical Advances at No. 8

The difference between genuine finishers and mere survivors was clear during the tournament. England’s Charlie Dean, another No. 8 regular, scored 124 runs in six innings, but her strike rate of 67.39 and boundary percentage of 5.97 trailed well behind De Klerk and Richa.

Richa was strategically moved in the order to unleash her aggression in the closing overs. Despite batting at No. 8 just twice in the tournament, she surpassed Dean in runs and was only behind De Klerk, tallying 129 runs at a strike rate of 132.98.

The No. 8 position emerged as a crucial spot for late-order influence. Compared to 2017, the batting average increased from 17.68 to 24.34 and the boundary percentage rose from 6.45 to 10.28, reflecting enhanced consistency and attacking intent. Between overs 41 and 50, the run rate surged from 5.26 to 7.23, and the boundary percentage climbed from 7.71 to 15.11, highlighting an increased ability to alter momentum in the final stages.

Notably, out of the 133 sixes throughout the tournament, 45 were hit in the last 10 overs — just seven fewer than the entire tally of the 2022 edition.

India’s Stronghold

This rise in lower-order impact was particularly evident in India’s campaign, where the team’s strike rate reached 120, up from 94.52 in 2022. In the opening match against Sri Lanka, Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur’s critical 103-run partnership, with Amanjot scoring a vital 57 off 56 balls, was notable.

“You couldn’t say India was in trouble since I was yet to bat,” joked Amanjot, who, along with Richa and Sneh Rana, embodied a composed confidence that enabled the lower-order batters to excel.

Richa’s remarkable innings against South Africa during the league phase were mirrored in the final. Coming in at No. 7, she made an immediate impact with a 24-ball 34, featuring three fours and two sixes, at a strike rate of 141.66.

Despite the final not showcasing a lower-order comeback, throughout the tournament, the contributions from back-end players were invaluable and underscored the importance of a formidable last line of defense.

Published on November 4, 2025