Buckle up, cricket fans! The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as England Women face India Women in the 3rd ODI at Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, on July 22, 2025. With the three-match series tied at 1-1, this clash is the decider, and both teams are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory.
India Women, riding high after a historic 3-2 T20I series win against England earlier in the tour, showcased their chasing prowess in the 1st ODI, hunting down 259 with ease. England Women, however, roared back in the rain-affected 2nd ODI at Lord’s, leveraging their spin attack to level the series. As both teams gear up for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, just two months away, this match is more than a series decider—it’s a statement of intent. Who will seize the moment under the Durham skies? Let’s dive into the details!
Pitch and Weather Report
The Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street is renowned for its balanced pitch, offering a fair contest between bat and ball. In women’s ODIs, the average first-innings score here is 165, with the highest total being 237-7 by New Zealand Women against England Women in 1996. The pitch provides good pace and bounce, making it a paradise for fast bowlers early on, especially under cloudy conditions. As the game progresses, spinners can find some turn, which could play into the hands of both teams’ spin-heavy attacks. Historical data shows an even split, with teams batting first and second each winning two of the four women’s ODIs hosted here.
The weather forecast for July 22, 2025, predicts sunny spells interspersed with clouds, with temperatures around 23°C and light winds. However, there’s a chance of showers, which could disrupt play or influence the toss decision. Teams might prefer to bowl first if cloud cover aids early swing and seam movement. Fans should keep an eye on the weather, as rain has already impacted this series, notably in the 2nd ODI.
Head-to-Head Records
The rivalry between England Women and India Women in ODIs is as close as it gets. In 78 matches, England won 41 and India won 35 each, reflecting their almost evenly matched prowess. India Women have had the upper hand recently, winning 4 of the last 5 ODIs against England, including a commanding 4-wicket win in the 1st ODI of this series, where Deepti Sharma’s unbeaten 62 sealed a chase of 259.
England responded in the 2nd ODI, restricting India to 143/8 in a rain-shortened 29-over game and chasing a revised target of 115 with 8 wickets in hand, thanks to Amy Jones’ 46*. India’s average runs per match (177.7) slightly outpace England’s (164.8), suggesting their batting depth could be a factor.
| Matches Played | 78 |
| Won By England Women | 41 |
| Won By India Women | 35 |
| No Result | 02 |
| First-ever Fixture | January 1, 1978 |
| Most-recent Fixture | July 19, 2025 |
Predicted Playing XI
England Women: Amy Jones (wk), Tammy Beaumont, Nat Sciver-Brunt (c), Sophia Dunkley, Emma Lamb, Maia Bouchier, Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Em Arlott, Linsey Smith, Lauren Bell
India Women: Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Arundhati Reddy, Sneh Rana, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani
Match-Winning Predictions
This series decider is a toss-up, but India Women hold a slight edge due to their recent form and ability to handle pressure in chases. Their victory in the 1st ODI, chasing 259 with 10 balls to spare, highlighted their batting depth, with Deepti Sharma and Jemimah Rodrigues forming a match-winning 90-run partnership.
England, however, showed their mettle in the 2nd ODI, where their spinners—Sophie Ecclestone (3/27), Linsey Smith, and Charlie Dean—tore through India’s batting. The Riverside pitch’s balanced nature could favor India’s spin attack if they bat second, but England’s familiarity with home conditions gives them a fighting chance.
The toss could be pivotal. If clouds loom, the team winning the toss might opt to bowl first to exploit early movement, as seen in the 2nd ODI. Experts at predict a 51-49 edge for India, citing their momentum and ability to chase.
Key battles to watch include Smriti Mandhana vs Sophie Ecclestone and Nat Sciver-Brunt vs Deepti Sharma. If India can navigate England’s spin threat and post or chase a total around 220-230, they could clinch the series. However, England’s home advantage and Amy Jones’ form (463 runs in 10 matches, average 92.6) make them dangerous.