In 2025, women’s cricket gear has evolved significantly, with major brands moving away from simply “downsizing” men’s bats and instead engineering specific profiles for the female game. The focus for women’s bats is typically lighter pickup (2lb 4oz – 2lb 8oz), shorter handles, and narrower blades to maintain a large sweet spot without the heavy weight.
Here are the top 5 cricket bats for women in 2025 based on professional player use, design technology, and expert reviews.
1. Gray-Nicolls GEM 3.1 (Best Overall)
The GEM is widely considered the gold standard for dedicated women’s cricket bats. Unlike other models, it was designed from the ground up with input from international female players like Alice Capsey.
- Key Features: It features a mid-to-high sweet spot and a “Superlite” pickup. The profile is slightly narrower than a standard men’s bat, which allows for a full, powerful blade at a much lighter weight.
- Ideal For: Technical stroke makers who want elite-grade English Willow with a professional “Small Adult” or “Ladies” handle.
2. Kookaburra Kahuna (Small Adult Size)
The Kahuna has been a staple in the women’s game for decades, famously used by stars like Suzie Bates and Alyssa Healy.
- Key Features: It is known for its massive edges and “Big Bow.” For 2025, the Kahuna “Small Adult” (SA) model specifically caters to women, offering a shorter blade and handle that improves bat speed and maneuverability.
- Ideal For: Aggressive all-rounders and openers who like to play big shots and need a bat that packs a punch.
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3. SG SM-18 (Smriti Mandhana Edition)
Modeled after the bat used by India’s Smriti Mandhana, this bat is engineered for elegance and timing.
- Key Features: It features a traditional profile with slightly rounded edges and a mid-pickup balance. It typically weighs around 2lb 7oz, making it heavy enough for power but balanced enough for Mandhana’s trademark wristy cover drives.
- Ideal For: Players who prioritize balance and “pickup” over raw weight, especially those who play a lot of vertical-bat shots.
4. New Balance Burn
The Burn range is specifically marketed as the “lightweight powerhouse” of the New Balance lineup, frequently used by players like Meg Lanning.
- Key Features: The 2025 Burn collection is designed so that no bat exceeds 2lb 8oz. It has a shortened blade and a longer handle, which shifts the weight toward the hands, making the bat feel almost weightless during the backswing.
- Ideal For: Players who rely on fast hand speed and those who find traditional short-handle bats too “toe-heavy.”
5. DSC Pearla X4
DSC has rapidly become a favorite in the WBBL and international circuits due to its ultra-lightweight technology.
- Key Features: The Pearla series is specifically balanced for a light pickup. It uses high-quality Grade 1 or 2 English Willow but is pressed to be more responsive, allowing for a thinner profile that still “pings” effectively.
- Ideal For: Club and representative players looking for a modern, high-performance bat that is easy to control for long innings.
Top 5 Cricket Bats for Women 2025: What to Look for When Buying:
- The “Small Adult” (SA) or “Ladies” (LB) Label: These sizes have a shorter handle and slightly shorter blade (usually 1/2 inch) than a standard Short Handle (SH). This prevents the bat from hitting the ground during your stance and improves control.
- Weight vs. Pickup: A bat might weigh 2lb 8oz but “pick up” like a 2lb 6oz bat if the balance is closer to the handle. Always test the pickup by holding the bat out in one hand; if you can hold it comfortably for 30 seconds, the weight is likely right for you.
- Willow Grade: If you are playing competitive league or representative cricket, look for English Willow (Grade 1-3). For casual or beginner play, Kashmir Willow is much more affordable and durable for “taped” or softer balls.
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