The stage is set for one of the biggest clashes in women’s cricket as India take on Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The match promises to be a battle of nerves, skill, and belief. Australia, the seven-time world champions, enter the contest as clear favourites, but India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, will walk in with quiet confidence and the hope of recreating something special.
For India, the task is as tough as it gets. Since 2019, Australia have been unbeatable in World Cup matches, winning 15 games in a row. Their dominance in women’s cricket is unmatched — their batting runs deep, their bowling remains disciplined, and their fielding sharp as ever. Yet, India have reasons to believe. The memory of Harmanpreet Kaur’s unforgettable 171 not out against Australia in Derby eight years ago still inspires both players and fans. That knock didn’t just win a match; it sparked a generation’s belief that India could stand up to the strongest side in the world.
Now, years later, Harmanpreet, along with Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, returns to the big stage with experience and determination. The trio were part of that iconic Derby night, and they know that sometimes cricket allows history to repeat itself — in the most beautiful way. 
As Harmanpreet said earlier this week, “It’s about believing that we can do it again. Every big win begins with belief.”
Australia’s record speaks for itself. They have dominated every phase of the tournament so far, looking composed even under pressure. Their captain, Alyssa Healy, remains their most vital player. Her form with the bat and her leadership have been crucial in guiding the team through tough games. However, a calf injury has raised some concerns about her availability for the semi-final. She returned to training on Wednesday, and her inclusion will likely be a game-time decision.
Even if Healy doesn’t play, Australia’s batting lineup remains fearsome. Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, and Annabel Sutherland have all made major contributions in this tournament. Gardner, in particular, has been in tremendous form, hitting two centuries — including the fastest in World Cup history. With such depth, Australia’s middle order can destroy even the best bowling attacks.
Their bowlers, too, have been clinical. Megan Schutt and Alana King continue to lead the attack with precision and control, while Tahlia McGrath and Kim Garth provide steady support. For India, finding gaps and building partnerships against this attack will be the key to survival.
India’s biggest challenge might come from their own team composition. The question of whether to include a sixth bowler has been discussed heavily in the dressing room. In previous matches, India struggled when they relied only on five bowling options. Against a team like Australia, that could be a costly mistake.
The decision may come down to whether Radha Yadav or Amanjot Kaur gets the nod. Radha’s three-wicket spell against Bangladesh has strengthened her case. If she plays, Harleen Deol might have to make way to maintain balance in the side.
Then there’s the uncertainty around wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh. Richa, India’s only natural power-hitter in the lower order, injured her finger during the game against New Zealand. Her aggressive batting style gives India a finishing edge, and her absence would be a major setback. If she fails to recover, Uma Chetry could replace her. But Uma is inexperienced at this level, and the pressure of a World Cup semi-final debut could be immense.
Without Richa, India’s batting might lack late-innings firepower, placing extra responsibility on Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, and Harmanpreet to anchor and accelerate at the right moments.
