Armed with multiple match-winners, India will look to continue their excellent build-up to the forthcoming World Cup when they face England in the potentially series-deciding second and penultimate women’s ODI in London on Saturday (July 19, 2025).
India won the opener at Southampton by four wickets, and a victory at Lord’s will give the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match rubber. This would extend their string of wins in the format in recent times, including the tri-series triumph involving Sri Lanka and South Africa in May.
Pratika Rawal has emerged as the preferred choice for Smriti Mandhana’s partner at the top of the order while Shafali Verma also remains in contention after her form in the T20 Internationals, the Women’s Premier League (WPL), and domestic cricket.

Harleen Deol is also in good nick and in the event Shafali returns to the playing XI in near future, Rawal could be pushed down to the number three slot.

However, in that case, it will be difficult to accommodate Deol in the line-up that also comprises Harmanpreet, Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh.

The games against England carry added significance as they serve as vital preparation for the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup, which India will host later this year.