The India–Australia Women’s World cup semifinal clash promises to be a fascinating contest between two sides playing high-quality cricket. Australia, as always, enter as the strong favourites — a team that has dominated world cricket for years. This match feels like a rerun of that epic one-chase, with Alyssa Healy guiding her side brilliantly on that occasion. After that game, Harmanpreet Kaur admitted that India’s total of 331 wasn’t enough, saying they needed another 40–50 runs — a statement that captures the magnitude of the challenge India face whenever they take on Australia.
Focusing on India first, there has been some uncertainty regarding the balance of their side. The management has experimented a little too much, trying to find the right combination, especially between strengthening the batting and adding an extra bowling option. Jemimah Rodrigues’ place has been one of the key talking points. She returned for the last game, and while team combinations have occasionally left her out, it’s hard to see how she shouldn’t be in the final XI. She is an impact player, someone who brings calmness and class in the middle order, and India look a more complete batting side with her in it.
For India to have any real chance against Australia — a team that rarely falters — they must play to their strengths. And that strength lies in their batting. Harmanpreet Kaur herself has said after the last outing that the team simply needs to go out there, bat for their lives, and bat big. India’s best shot at toppling the world champions is to bat them out of the game, to post a total that even Australia’s powerful batting line-up feels pressure chasing.
The batting unit gives India reasons to believe. Smriti Mandhana, who continues to be one of the most consistent openers in the women’s game, leads from the front with both runs and accountability. Her reaction after the loss to England revealed her character — she took responsibility, saying it was her fault, that she started the collapse, and should have played a more responsible innings to take India home. That sense of ownership is exactly what drives this side forward. Mandhana has been among the leading run-scorers in the series, with Pratika Rawal right behind her. Rawal’s injury is a huge setback for India.
Shafali Verma has replaced Rawal, who was in outstanding form. I worked on the England– India series during the English summer and was quite surprised that Verma wasn’t included in the India squad then. So, in my view, this is a very good selection as she brings the right mix of experience and big-match awareness to make an immediate impact.
Harmanpreet Kaur, of course, remains the heartbeat of this side — experienced, fearless, and capable of changing the course of a game in a single session. Alongside her, Rodrigues must play, as her ability to rotate strike and find boundaries in the middle overs keeps the innings flowing. Deepti Sharma adds immense value, contributing both with bat and ball. She is reliable in the middle order, offers control with her off-spin, and provides balance. Richa Ghosh, too, brings power and intent lower down, giving India depth in the batting order.
India’s batting strength stretches from top to lower middle order — Mandhana, possibly Verma, Harmanpreet, Rodrigues, Deepti, and Ghosh — forming a line-up that can challenge any side. They’ll need all of it against an Australian team that seems to have no weakness. Australia come into this game full of confidence, carrying the aura of champions who simply don’t know how to lose.
Despite India’s growing stature, Australia remain the benchmark. Their consistency, depth, and mentality make them formidable opponents. At some point in the near future, India may well take over the reins and become the best side in the world, dominating women’s cricket. But for now, it feels like that moment hasn’t quite arrived. Still, this Indian side certainly has the potential, and perhaps even a genuine chance, to topple this incredible Australian unit.
Australia’s strength runs deep across all departments. Their batting order is stacked with proven match-winners. Even with a few concerns, such as Healy’s fitness and Phoebe Litchfield’s slight dip in form in recent games, their bench strength remains unmatched. Georgia Voll’s arrival has only added to their riches; she’s announced herself on the international stage with impactful performances, ensuring that even if one player is off-color,
other steps up seamlessly.
Australia will be hoping that their captain returns for the big semifinal clash. She missed the last league game against South Africa and team management will be hoping she could be back for the big game. However, Australia’s line-up has proven time and again that it can adapt and thrive regardless of setbacks. Their captaincy, structure, and clarity of roles make them a team that functions like a well-oiled machine.
In the middle and lower order, Ashleigh Gardner continues to be a game-changer. Batting lower down the middle order, she has the ability to rescue innings or finish with a flourish. Her recent World Cup performances were outstanding, reaffirming her status as one of the world’s best all-rounders. The presence of players like Gardner gives Australia immense balance.
Then there’s their bowling — disciplined, intelligent, and potent. Alana King’s seven-wicket haul in the last game underlined just how dangerous she can be on her day. Alongside her, Georgia Wareham provides another quality spin option, while Annabel Sutherland’s contributions with both bat and ball make her an invaluable all-rounder. The Australians have all the bases covered — a dynamic top order, depth in the middle, and a bowling attack that can dismantle any side.
But it is also true that their opening bowling combination hasn’t been at its best, which could be an area India can exploit — making a strong powerplay with the bat absolutely crucial.
For India, the task is monumental. Beating Australia requires near perfection — with the bat, in the field, and with the ball. Yet, there’s belief. This Indian team is evolving, learning, and pushing the world champions harder each time they meet. Harmanpreet Kaur’s side may not be favourites, but they carry enough firepower to dream big.
If India can channel their batting depth, play fearless cricket, and hold their nerve in key moments, they could well make Australia sweat. Not to forget, India will need to be sharp and flawless in the field.
The odds might be stacked against India, but as history shows, India at their best can make the mighty Australians uncomfortable — and that’s all it takes to create a classic.
