Mandhana and Kaur obtain relief on the return of Vizag after 11 years

India batters will receive some respite when they take the field at the ACA-VCA stadium in Vishakapatnam. The hosts have notched up two wins in the Women’s World Cup 2025, but their performance with the bar has been lackluster at best. With games against South Africa and Australia in Vizag, pitches are set to offer more balance as per reports.

More balance between bat and ball in Vizag

India did seal comfortable wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan but it was hardly to do with batting dominance. The hosts suffered collapses in both games but managed to steer through to a respectable total. The gulf of quality between the opponents meant that India did not suffer for their blemishes.

However at Vizag it is unlikely to be the case. India face South Africa and Australia, two heavyweight sides. Both teams have showcased their batting might. Proteas were bowled out for 69 before bouncing back with a humiliation of New Zealand.

“The pitch will offer good help to batters, if you look at the last few matches, including the IPL, here. The bowlers, especially spinners if there is no dew, will have some help as the match goes on,” an Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) official told PTI.

Vizag last hosted a women’s cricket game in 2014. Since then, the surface has underwent a huge transformation. In recent IPL seasons, scores in excess of 200 has been the norm, while India posted 387 against West Indies in 2019.