đź“Ť BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground, Bengaluru
đź“… September 27, 2025 | 3:00 PM IST
As the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 draws closer, excitement is building across the cricket world — and today’s warm-up match between India Women and New Zealand Women is the perfect teaser of what’s to come. Set to begin at 3:00 PM IST at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Ground in Bengaluru, this clash may not count in the official records, but it carries big weight in terms of preparation, confidence, and momentum.
The weather in Bengaluru looks perfect for cricket. The sun is shining, the breeze is light, and the pitch seems made for batting. Fans are expected to show up in good numbers, and the energy around the ground is already positive.
India: Mixing Experience with New Energy
Team India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will be using this match to fine-tune their strategy and test the balance of their playing XI. Key players like Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, and Richa Ghosh are expected to feature and will be looking to get into rhythm before the tournament officially kicks off.
What makes this match even more exciting for Indian fans is the presence of young players like Pratika Rawal and Uma Chetry — both full of potential and eager to prove themselves on a big stage. With Renuka Singh Thakur leading the pace attack and Sneh Rana handling spin duties, India’s bowling unit will aim to strike early and keep things tight.
New Zealand: Experience with Firepower
New Zealand comes in with a strong squad, led by star all-rounder Sophie Devine. Backed by experienced names like Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, and Amelia Kerr, the Kiwis have plenty of match-winners in their lineup. Their bowling attack, featuring Jess Kerr and Eden Carson, could challenge India’s top order — especially in the early overs.
With younger players like Georgia Plimmer and Flora Devonshire also in the mix, New Zealand will be looking to test their bench strength while building team chemistry ahead of the main event.
What to Watch For
While it’s a warm-up, expect both teams to play with purpose. India will likely rotate bowlers and test middle-order options. New Zealand may experiment too, but they’ll want to come out strong to set the tone for their World Cup campaign.
If India bats first, keep an eye on Mandhana and Rodrigues — both love batting in home conditions. If New Zealand is chasing, Sophie Devine’s power hitting could light up the evening. Either way, this match promises moments to remember.
Toss and Lineups Coming Soon
We’ll update the blog with toss results and final playing XIs as soon as they’re announced. The team that wins the toss might look to bat first, especially with the pitch expected to stay true throughout the match.
Final Word
India vs New Zealand never disappoints — and even though this is just a warm-up, it has all the ingredients of a thriller. Two strong teams, world-class players, and the pressure of a World Cup just days away.
We’ll be updating this blog with key moments from the match, standout performances, and a full post-match summary. So stay tuned — the action begins today at 3:00 PM IST.