Clash of Titans! India Set for Tough Women’s World Cup Semi-Final Clash Against Australia
IND W vs AUS W: Harmanpreet Kaur’s Team India is through to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, but the road ahead is anything but easy. The hosts will face defending champions Australia in the second semi-final on Thursday, October 30, at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.
The semi-final lineup was finalized after Australia’s emphatic win over South Africa in their final group-stage match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. In what was expected to be a close contest, the Proteas were completely outplayed, bowled out for just 97 runs, before Australia cruised to victory with 7-wickets in hand and a massive 199 balls to spare.
That dominant performance ensured Australia finished on top of the group table with 13 points from seven matches, underlining once again why they remain the team to beat in women’s cricket.
The semi-finals for #CWC25 are now locked 👀
More details ⬇️https://t.co/8P4NZ2LGqH
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) October 25, 2025
India’s Rollercoaster Journey to the Semi-Finals
India’s journey to the last four hasn’t been smooth. While they eventually sealed qualification after a crucial win against New Zealand, the campaign has been a mix of highs and lows. The hosts started the tournament in fine style, registering back-to-back wins against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, but their momentum faltered midway with three consecutive losses to South Africa, Australia, and England.
Those defeats put India in a must-win situation heading into their clash with New Zealand, and the team responded when it mattered most. Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal both struck sensational centuries in Navi Mumbai, helping India post a total of over 300 runs. Despite rain interruptions and a nervy finish under the DLS method, India managed to pull off a morale-boosting victory to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Underdogs, But Dangerous
Heading into the knockout stage, Australia will undoubtedly start as favorites. The six-time World Cup champions have looked strong throughout the tournament and boast both experience and depth in their lineup. However, India has proven in the past that they can rise to the occasion against top sides, especially on home soil and with a passionate crowd behind them.
For Harmanpreet Kaur and her side, this semi-final represents both a challenge and an opportunity. India will need their senior players like Smriti Mandhana, Harmanpreet, and Deepti Sharma to step up, while the young stars such as Pratika Rawal will have to deliver under pressure once again.
Final Group Stage Fixture
Before turning their attention to the semi-final, India will play their final group-stage match against Bangladesh on Sunday. While the result won’t affect their qualification, it will be crucial for India to build momentum and confidence heading into the knockout clash.
The Stage Is Set
The semi-final between India and Australia promises to be a blockbuster. It’s a repeat of some of women’s cricket’s most memorable encounters, including the 2017 semi-final and the 2020 T20 World Cup final. This time, the stakes are higher, and the home crowd in Navi Mumbai will be roaring for their team.
India might enter the game as underdogs, but with belief, home support, and a spark of brilliance from their key players, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team will look to turn the tables on the world champions and script a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket.