India (w)
Australia (w)
The stage is set in Navi Mumbai as India Women take on Australia Women in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The defending champions from Australia have looked untouchable so far, brushing aside every challenge with commanding performances across departments. Their unbeaten run has been a display of precision, power, and depth – traits that make them the benchmark in world cricket.
India, meanwhile, has endured a rollercoaster campaign marked by flashes of brilliance and bouts of inconsistency. They’ll need to find their best form to challenge an Australian side that already defeated them in the group stage.
With home advantage and a passionate crowd behind them, India will hope to script a turnaround, but it will take something truly special to halt the Aussies’ charge toward another final.
Both teams rely more on placement and timing than pure power.
The betting tip is...
Total Sixes: Under 8.5 sixes
81 %
19 %
India (w)Australia (w)India Women arrive at the semi-final stage after a campaign filled with highs and lows, finishing the group phase with three wins and three defeats. Their struggle to hold nerve in crucial moments has been a recurring theme, and against an in-form Australian side, any lapse in execution could prove costly.
Smriti Mandhana remains India’s biggest hope at the top, having amassed 365 runs in seven innings at an impressive average of 60.83 and a strike rate of 102.52. However, the absence of her regular partner, Pratika Rawal, who has been ruled out with an ankle injury, is a major blow to the team’s stability. In her place, Shafali Verma returns to the lineup, bringing an attacking edge after a stellar run in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, where she piled up 341 runs at a strike rate of 182.35, including a century and two fifties.
The middle order looks steady with Jemimah Rodrigues providing consistency and Harmanpreet Kaur rediscovering her rhythm at the right time. Richa Ghosh’s power-hitting adds finishing strength, giving India a more balanced batting lineup heading into this knockout clash.
On the bowling front, Deepti Sharma has been the standout performer, taking 15 wickets at an economy of 5.43, anchoring the middle overs with control and guile. Support has come from Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud, who have combined for 19 wickets, while Sneh Rana’s disciplined spells have kept the opposition in check.
With conditions in Navi Mumbai expected to aid spinners, Radha Yadav could also return to the XI after her impressive 3 for 30 performance against Bangladesh.
Predicted Lineup: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur
Australia Women have been a class apart in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, cruising through the group stage unbeaten and rarely finding themselves under any sort of threat. Their dominance has been built on balance, experience, and ruthless efficiency - qualities that have made them the standout side of the tournament.
Their batting unit has fired collectively, with Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney anchoring the top order with trademark assurance. Each brings a blend of technique and composure that allows Australia to recover from early setbacks or accelerate when needed.
The uncertainty surrounding Alyssa Healy’s fitness remains a talking point, as the wicketkeeper-batter sat out the last two matches, but even her absence hasn’t disrupted the team’s momentum - a testament to Australia’s remarkable depth.
In the middle order, Grace Harris and Ashleigh Gardner have added explosive finishing power. Gardner, in particular, has been sensational, hammering 265 runs in just four innings at an average exceeding 88 and a strike rate above 128. Her ability to dominate spin and pace alike has turned several games decisively in Australia’s favour.
The bowling department has been equally relentless. Kim Garth and Megan Schutt have excelled with the new ball, maintaining tight lines to restrict early scoring opportunities. The spin duo of Alana King and Annabel Sutherland have then taken control through the middle overs, sharing 28 wickets between them while maintaining miserly economies.
With every player contributing and the squad firing in unison, Australia head into the semi-final as clear favourites to extend their unbeaten streak.
Predicted Lineup: Georgia Voll, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Annabel Sutherland, Beth Mooney (wk), Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (c), Georgia Wareham, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt
Australia Women head into this semi-final as overwhelming favourites, and it’s hard to see them slipping up. Their batting depth, disciplined bowling attack, and all-round consistency give them a clear edge over an Indian side that’s been unpredictable throughout the tournament.
Unless Smriti Mandhana produces something extraordinary, Australia should comfortably book their spot in the final.
