There is a lovely, chaotic quality to the World Cup warm-ups. No points, no trophies – just the pure playing around with a little cricket, a bit of surprises, and a proportionate amount of line-up mixing. The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 is quickly approaching in the near distance; therefore, the warm-up games schedule, which has just been released, will see everyone focusing on the warm-up schedule. Yes, from September 25 to 28, 2025, cricket fans will see what is to come in India and Sri Lanka, as the cricketing world prepares for the showpiece tournament commencing September 30, featuring eight international teams and two international A sides.
Four Venues, Nine Games, Infinite Talking Points
The pre-tournament warm-up element will be split across four venues – BCCI Centre of Excellence and Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru in India; and Colombo Cricket Club and R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo in Sri Lanka. These aren’t just practice matches; they’re previews of how teams are getting used to subcontinental conditions.
The team will use these matches to try combinations, adjust their lineups, and perhaps introduce a wildcard or two. For example, how will New Zealand’s pace attack withstand conditions on spinning decks? Will England’s newly formed middle order be capable of handling the turning ball in Colombo? Warm-up fixtures can be full of these mini-dramas that provide far more entertainment than their descriptors suggest.
It is intriguing that Australia, the reigning champions, will only play one match, against England on September 27. Do they have overwhelming confidence or energy-conserving?
A-Side Appearances Add an Intriguing Twist
Adding a bit of heat to the fixture list are the two A-teams: India ‘A’ and Sri Lanka ‘A’. They’re not playing for the tournament, but their presence is significant (and spicy) in the context of warm-ups. On September 28, India ‘A’ goes head-to-head with South Africa, as Sri Lanka ‘A’ prepares for two clashes—first with Bangladesh, then with Pakistan.
Why is this important? It is an opportunity for peripheral players to make a final case, and for the senior teams to get used to the elusiveness of the lesser-known opponents. This is a wrench in the game plan with the tournament right around the corner.
Also, for teams like Bangladesh or Pakistan, getting tested by a sharp, youthful side can be a great way to expose weaknesses and iron them out before the real grind begins.
Early Showdowns Could Set the Tone
If there’s one fixture that jumps off the page, it’s India vs England on opening day (September 25 in Bengaluru). A rematch of the final from 2017, and although this game isn’t worth points, don’t be surprised if the rivalry heats up to group stage epic proportions.
While India prepares to meet New Zealand, South Africa has a busier slate with matches against both New Zealand and India A. These games may look tie-worthy and less than professional on paper, but psychologically, they’re huge. Win them, and you go into the World Cup opener with swagger. Lose badly, and you feel the pressure before the World Cup begins.
Though the warm-up games won’t go on the official stats board, they will have an effect on the team’s momentum and morale. Every detail matters when it comes to a tournament this long, from travel itineraries to pitch condition to how much the players have to work.
So, who can make the best of these dress rehearsals? Does a star develop out of these? Can a favorite team collapse early in the heat and cover of the subcontinent?
To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit Six6slive to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. Connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!