Belinda Clark, one of the greatest pioneers in women’s cricket, believes that India’s ability to handle the pressure of hosting will play a decisive role in their Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 campaign.
As the World Cup unfolds across India and Sri Lanka, the legendary former Australia captain and administrator reflected on the rapid evolution of women’s cricket, the balance between power and technique, and what excites her most about this edition of the tournament.
Speaking exclusively, Clark highlighted how the sheer volume of cricket in recent years — from international fixtures to franchise-based T20 leagues — has accelerated the growth of the women’s game. “The greater volume has turbocharged development, not just of the players, but also of the interest in the sport,” she said.
Technique vs Power: The Modern Balance
On the debate between classical technique and raw power, Clark emphasized that both need to coexist in the modern game. “Technique is a means to an end, but power plus effective technique will always be more impactful than either one on its own,” she noted.
Having been known for her elegant strokeplay, Clark observed how batting has changed with smaller boundaries, better pitches, and improved equipment. “Run rates and attacking play have gone up significantly. It’s been wonderful for the game,” she added.
Aggression vs Consistency
Clark acknowledged that today’s cricket often values aggression, but consistency remains vital. “Players like Smriti Mandhana, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Laura Wolvaardt and others have shown how to balance aggression with control. The fact that so many names come to mind is a sign of how far the game has come,” she said.
India’s Challenge as Hosts
With the tournament being played in India, Clark believes the home side’s biggest challenge will be the weight of expectations. “How India handle the pressure of being hosts will be key to their ambitions. Many top players have already played here through the WPL, so visiting teams will also feel comfortable,” she remarked.
She predicted a competitive race for the semifinals, tipping India, Australia, England, and South Africa as the likely top four contenders. “Australia and India stand out based on rankings, but in this format, consistent performances matter most,” she explained.
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A Record-Breaking Legacy
Clark also looked back on her iconic double century — 229 off 155 balls — during the 1997 World Cup in Mumbai, the first-ever double hundred in women’s ODIs. “I didn’t know it was a record until the press told me afterwards. My overriding feeling was one of surprise. But the bigger joy was being part of a team win and seeing the incredible fan support in Calcutta,” she recalled.
As the World Cup progresses, Clark hopes fans will turn up in huge numbers to support women’s cricket: “Let’s hope the players get to perform in packed stadiums filled with excited fans.”
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