The stage is set for a high-voltage IND W vs AUS W clash in the second semi-final of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The stakes are massive as India aim to rewrite history, while Australia look to extend their unbeaten run into yet another World Cup final.
Australia enters the knockout on the back of a commanding win over South Africa, powered by Alana King’s sensational 7/18. Conversely, India appears to have peaked at the right time, showing remarkable form and belief after a strong finish to the league stage.
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Rain threatens Ind W vs Aus W semi-final
The weather throws a curveball into the story. Rain clouds loom over the city, and forecasts warn of potential disruptions during the match. Everyone’s asking the same thing: if rain washes out the game entirely, will both teams split the points, or will one advance to the grand finale?
Well, the good news is that the match officials have already accounted for rain and reserved a day in case of a washout.
India W vs Australia W so far!
The Indian cricket side will take on the seven-time World Cup winner, Australia. In One-day internationals, the Australian side dominated the women-in-blue with 59 wins in 70 matches overall. Therefore, the pressure will definitely be on India going into the game on Wednesday. However, the in-form opener, Smriti Mandana, can quickly turn the tables with an aggressive batting approach.
IND W vs AUS W: Team news and key updates
India suffered a blow ahead of the semi-final as opener Pratika Rawal was ruled out due to a freak ankle injury sustained in the previous match. Shafali Verma has been recalled to strengthen the top order and provide aggressive starts in the Powerplay.
Australia received a major boost as Alyssa Healy was declared fit after recovering from a calf strain. Her return adds firepower to an already formidable batting line-up. The opener has been a consistent nemesis for India, particularly in ICC tournaments.
Pitch report and conditions
The DY Patil Stadium surface traditionally rewards attacking stroke-play early on but tends to assist spinners as the match progresses. The par score here is around 250–270 runs, making batting first a strategic advantage in a knockout fixture.
With a reserve day available, both sides are expected to play full-strength cricket without weather anxiety.
Tactical outlook: Spinners likely to be the ‘turning’ point
India’s formula looks simple: Bat first, post 260+, and let the spinners dictate terms. For Australia, the plan revolves around their top-order dominance and a powerful middle order led by Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland.
IND W vs AUS W: Win probability
According to team form and head-to-head records, Australia is the hot favourite. However, India’s home advantage and its recent surge in confidence make this clash far from predictable.
How India can upset the Aussies
- Strong Powerplay Start: Smriti Mandhana and Verma need to set the tone with an 80–90 run opening stand to rattle the Aussies.
- Spin Supremacy: India’s spinners must tighten the middle overs, forcing errors from Australia’s middle order.
- Discipline in Fielding: Cutting down on extras and seizing half-chances could make the difference in a pressure-filled semi-final.
Can India Create History?
On paper, Australia remains the favourite. Yet, with Mandhana in top form, a passionate home crowd, and a spin-friendly wicket, India have every chance to script an upset.
If they can handle the Aussie pace attack early and maintain composure under lights, the India vs Australia World Cup semi-final might just witness one of India’s most memorable victories.
