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India Set to Stun Australia in Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final at Navi Mumbai

Sports
By Correspondent


IND W vs AUS W Semifinal-2: In modern sport, there’s no bigger challenge than facing Australia’s women’s cricket team, the ultimate benchmark of dominance. Since the start of the 2017 World Cup, Australia have played 87 ODIs and won 78 of them. That’s a win rate that borders on unbelievable.

They’ve also claimed three of the last five World Cups, with unmatched depth, power, and precision. Simply put, they’re the team everyone wants to beat and the team everyone wants to become.

But on Thursday night at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India are gearing up to do exactly that. Despite Australia’s imposing record, India have reasons to believe this could finally be their night.

Here are the 3 biggest reasons why India are primed to pull off a famous victory in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final.

1. Smriti Mandhana – India’s Run Machine Against Australia

When India face Australia, one name always dominates the conversation, Smriti Mandhana.

The elegant left-hander has an outstanding record against the Aussies:

  • 996 runs in 20 matches
  • 4 centuries, average of 49.8
  • A staggering average of 63.77 on home soil

She was also the Player of the Series in the recent bilateral series, piling up 300 runs with effortless strokeplay. Even in India’s league-stage loss earlier this tournament, her brilliant 80 was the highlight.

With Pratika Rawal ruled out due to an ankle injury, the spotlight is back on Mandhana to provide the perfect start – something she’s done consistently against the world champions. And if she gets going, Australia’s bowlers will be under serious pressure.

2. Shafali Verma’s Return Could Change Everything

With Rawal out, Shafali Verma’s return to the ODI setup adds an explosive dimension India desperately need.

Shafali, who last played a 50-over game over a year ago, rediscovered her best form in the recent T20I series in England, where she finished as the second-highest run-scorer. Known for her fearless batting, she has the power to unsettle Australia’s pace attack from the very first over.

A Mandhana-Shafali opening partnership offers India the perfect left-right balance, aggression and elegance combined. It’s the kind of pairing that can turn a semifinal into a statement.

3. India Know How to Beat Australia and Recently Did

While Australia hold an overwhelming historical edge – 49 wins in 60 ODIs, India have shown they can fight and win.

They’re the last team to beat Australia in an ODI, bowling them out for 190 at New Chandigarh earlier this year. In that series, India scored 281, 292, and 369, proving that their batting lineup can challenge even the best bowling attack in the world.

In the 2017 World Cup semi-final, Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a legendary 171 off 115 balls*, steering India to victory. That spirit of belief still burns strong.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy is also battling a calf strain, while India’s Richa Ghosh is nursing a finger injury, though both are expected to play. Still, even a slightly off-balance Australia presents a rare opportunity, and Harmanpreet’s team knows it.

Meet Fire with Fire

Yes, on paper, it’s a mismatch. But cricket isn’t played on paper, it’s played with passion, precision, and belief.

India’s best chance is to match Australia’s aggression and own the big moments. With Smriti in form, Shafali’s power at the top, and Harmanpreet’s calm leadership, India have the tools to bring down the world champions once again.

As the DY Patil crowd roars under the Navi Mumbai lights, expect a contest full of fire, flair, and fearlessness because sometimes, in sport, belief beats history and India believe this is their time.




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