England’s women’s cricket team has reached the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, achieving the bare minimum expected before the tournament began. However, despite this success, questions remain about their long-term potential, particularly regarding their middle-order batting and the future of key players.
As they prepare for their upcoming match against New Zealand, which has little bearing on their progression, England is already focused on the knockout stages. The semi-final opponent will be either Australia or South Africa, and England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt has made it clear that her team is determined to go into the semi-finals with a win, regardless of the game’s outcome. The team has already qualified, but the importance of building confidence and adapting to new conditions in Visakhapatnam cannot be overstated.
For New Zealand, Sunday’s match will mark the end of Sophie Devine’s illustrious career in one-day internationals. The 36-year-old, who has been a staple of New Zealand cricket since 2006, will hope for a fitting conclusion after an impressive tournament showing, including a century against Australia. For England, though, there is no intention of letting Devine go out with a win. They aim to secure a victory in their final group-stage match to bolster their momentum before the semi-finals.
While England’s results so far have been largely positive, the team is far from flawless. Head coach Charlotte Edwards has attempted to implement changes, but some have been more successful than others. The opening partnership of Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont, for example, has struggled against weaker sides, while the inclusion of Linsey Smith as a reliable middle-overs bowler has proven to be a solid move. However, England’s middle-order issues persist, with a tendency to collapse under pressure, particularly against spin bowling. Despite Danni Wyatt-Hodge’s ability on subcontinental pitches, she remains on the bench, while Edwards sticks with the same core group of players.
Looking ahead, England faces a critical period. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the team’s immediate focus will shift to 20-over cricket, but the lingering issues in their 50-over lineup demand attention. England’s reliance on experienced players like Heather Knight and Sciver-Brunt raises concerns about the future of the team as they age. If Edwards is to restore England’s position among the world’s best, she will need to address these middle-order flaws and ensure the team is ready for the challenges ahead
