India face unbeaten Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at DY Patil Stadium. Injury updates, Healy’s return, and rain threats add intrigue as both teams chase a coveted spot in Sunday’s grand final.
The pre-match chatter has been dominated by injury updates on both sides. India were dealt a major blow when opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury sustained while fielding against Bangladesh.
Her replacement, Shafali Verma, marks a surprise yet thrilling return to the ODI setup. Known for her fearless strokeplay, Shafali hasn’t featured in the format for over a year and wasn’t even among the stand-by players. Her comeback adds fresh aggression to India’s top order, where she is expected to open alongside vice-captain Smriti Mandhana.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur faces a crucial decision: whether to strengthen the bowling depth or retain an extra batter to balance the lineup.
Australia’s Skipper Set to Return
Australia’s camp has been buoyed by positive news surrounding Alyssa Healy’s fitness. The star wicketkeeper-batter missed the last two group matches due to a calf strain but appeared fully fit in Wednesday’s training session. Healy completed keeping drills and spent extended time batting in the nets, indicating her strong chance of returning to the playing XI.
If Healy plays, Beth Mooney may still continue as the wicketkeeper, though Healy reportedly feels ready to resume her duties behind the stumps.
With Ellyse Perry, Ashleigh Gardner, and Tahlia McGrath in form, Australia’s middle order looks as formidable as ever, while Sophie Molineux may replace Georgia Wareham to exploit the spin-friendly Mumbai surface.
India’s Bowling Puzzle
India’s bowling combination remains under debate. Renuka Thakur, who has a strong record at DY Patil, is expected to spearhead the pace attack. In the spin department, Radha Yadav, Sneh Rana, and Sree Charani will battle for spots, depending on the pitch conditions.
Team India has alternated between using five and six specialist bowlers throughout the tournament, and finding the right balance will be key against a side as powerful as Australia.
Head-to-Head: History Favors the Aussies
Australia’s dominance in women’s ODIs is staggering — they have won 49 of 60 encounters against India, with India triumphing just 11 times. In World Cup history, Australia lead 10–3, including their memorable 2005 final win.
However, India’s confidence stems from their iconic 2017 semifinal victory in Derby, where Harmanpreet Kaur’s unbeaten 171 powered them to a stunning 36-run win over the Aussies — a performance etched in cricketing folklore. Thursday’s clash will be the third semifinal meeting between the two teams, and India will hope history repeats itself.
Weather Threat Looms Over Semifinal Showdown
Unseasonal rain in Mumbai threatens to disrupt the high-voltage encounter. India’s final group match was already impacted by showers, and forecasts suggest more rain in the coming days.
The ICC has, however, introduced special measures for the knockout phase — extending extra time to 120 minutes (from 60 during the league stage) and scheduling a reserve day on Friday. For a result to count, both sides must face at least 20 overs each. If rain washes out play across both days, Australia will progress to the final as the higher-ranked team.
High Stakes, High Dreams
Australia, the undisputed powerhouse of women’s cricket, are aiming for a record-extending eighth World Cup title and their first back-to-back 50-over triumph since 1988.
For India, it’s about destiny and redemption — to make their first World Cup final since 2017 and prove their mettle against the sport’s most dominant side. As weather, nerves, and history converge, Thursday’s semifinal promises an unforgettable chapter in women’s cricket.
Squads
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana (vice-captain), Uma Chetry (wk), Harleen Deol, Deepti Sharma, Jemimah Rodrigues, Renuka Thakur, Arundhati Reddy, Richa Ghosh (wk), Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Shafali Verma, Sneh Rana.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (captain/wk), Tahlia McGrath (vice-captain), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
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