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India vs Australia Semi-Final Preview | ‘Sleeping Giants’ Hope to Give Australia a Wake-Up Call | October 30, 2025
Picture Credit: Cricbuzz
‘Sleeping Giants’ Hope to Give Australia a Wake-Up Call
Date: Thursday, October 30, 2025 | Venue: DY Patil Cricket Stadium, Navi Mumbai | Match: India vs Australia, Semi-Final, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
A rainy Thursday in Derby eight years ago showcased two things: that Australia aren’t unbeatable even in their most dominant streak, and what it takes to achieve that. Since that Harmanpreet Kaur-inspired upset, Australia remain unbeaten in ODI World Cups, while India are yet to register a win against any other semifinalist of the 2025 edition. But as history loves irony, another gloomy Thursday might just tempt fate again, with India chasing the impossible once more.
India’s Challenge Against the Giants
Australia’s dominance in this World Cup cycle is evident — a staggering 26-4 win-loss record (1 no-result), with only one defeat to India in three series. Yet, India have often pushed the world champions to the edge. From breaking Australia’s 26-match winning streak in 2021 to inflicting their heaviest ODI defeat in recent history, India have proven capable of unsettling them. Alyssa Healy’s “sleeping giants” tag for India might just hold a prophetic ring.
Australia’s Uneven Campaign
It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the defending champions. Two scrappy wins and a washout left them looking vulnerable before rediscovering rhythm — and Healy’s form — ironically against India. For the hosts, India’s campaign has been turbulent. Despite flashes of brilliance, three close defeats to semifinalists nearly ended their run before a strong finish and a slice of luck propelled them to the knockouts.
Venue and Conditions
The pitch at DY Patil Stadium, used earlier for the Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh clash, looks primed for batters. Thankfully, rain forecasts have cleared, promising uninterrupted play. Spinners might play a key role, as 22 of the 36 wickets here have fallen to slower bowlers so far.
Team News and Probable XIs
India Women
With Pratika Rawal ruled out due to injury, Shafali Verma returns in a direct swap. Amanjot Kaur could also feature in place of Harleen Deol, adding balance and depth to the lineup.
Probable XI: Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Harleen Deol/Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Sree Charani, Renuka Thakur
Australia Women
Alyssa Healy is set to return after skipping the optional training session. The defending champions will likely revert to their first-choice XI — the same one that defeated India earlier in the group stage.
Probable XI: Alyssa Healy (c/wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt
Head-to-Head
Australia lead the overall ODI rivalry 49-11 across 60 games and hold an 11-3 advantage in World Cups. Since the 2017 thriller, India have only managed two wins over Australia in ODIs.
Did You Know?
- Ashleigh Gardner is currently ranked No.1 all-rounder, No.2 batter, and No.3 bowler in ODIs.
- At DY Patil, spinners have claimed 22 wickets compared to pacers’ 14 in this World Cup.
- Smriti Mandhana has hit the most fours (40) and sixes (8) for India this tournament.
What They Said
Shafali Verma, India batter: “I’ve played against Australia many times, so it’s not something new for me. I know their bowlers and their styles. I’ll back my strengths. We’ve prepared a lot, everyone’s in touch, and we’re focused on doing well. If we do that, of course, we’ll win.”
Shelly Nitschke, Australia coach: “Oh, a huge crowd factor! We played that T20 here with a Super Over, and it was a packed house. The atmosphere is something we haven’t experienced often. It’s exciting and we want to embrace it — enjoy and make the most of it.”
Match Details
When: Thursday, October 30 at 3 PM IST
Where: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
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