In the upcoming semi-final of the Women’s World Cup 2025, Australia will face India in Navi Mumbai. This match is particularly significant as India remains the last team to defeat Australia in an ODI World Cup semi-final, a feat achieved in 2017. Since then, Australia has secured 15 consecutive victories in completed matches.
Mandhana Shines: Key Performance Insights
Smriti Mandhana has been the standout performer of this tournament. With 365 runs and a strike rate of 102.52, she leads the run-scoring charts. Mandhana’s strength is undeniable, especially when facing bowlers like Ashleigh Gardner and Megan Schutt. Historically, against Gardner, Mandhana has faced eight innings, recording five dismissals with an average of 13.60. In contrast, her performance against Schutt also shows promise, with four dismissals over twelve innings and a higher average of 24.50.
Recent Form Against Australia
- In four matches against Australia in 2025, Mandhana has scored two centuries and two half-centuries.
- Against Gardner, she has maintained a striking 135.21, scoring 96 runs without getting out.
- Against Schutt, her performance also impresses, with 41 runs off 28 balls and no dismissals.
Mandhana has consistently excelled against various spinners, demonstrating a particularly aggressive approach against Alana King and Georgia Wareham, while only being dismissed by Molineux. The dynamics of her partnerships have also shifted. Initially, she anchored alongside Pratika Rawal, but with Rawal’s injury, Shafali Verma is now her opening partner, adding an aggressive style to their play.
Australia’s Bowling Vulnerabilities
The pitch conditions in locations like New Chandigarh and Delhi favored batting, and the trend is likely to continue at the DY Patil Stadium. India’s previous encounters with Australia this year have highlighted weaknesses in the Australian bowling lineup.
Bowling Statistics Against India
| Bowler | Economy Rate Against India | General Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Megan Schutt | 6.46 | 3.78 |
| Kim Garth | 6.66 | 4.90 |
| Ashleigh Gardner | 6.06 | 5.46 |
| Tahlia McGrath | 7.05 | Not Bowled |
Annabel Sutherland has emerged as a star bowler, leading the competition with 15 wickets. Her effective change-ups make her a vital player for Australia. India must carefully strategize to counter her tactics, as she has shown success against prominent batters like Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh.
Indian Bowling Strategy
Renuka Singh and Kranti Gaud are critical to India’s strategy against Australian openers Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield. Renuka’s performance in ODIs has been solid, with one dismissal against Healy. Gaud has dismissed Healy three times in their pre-tournament series. India aims to take early wickets to set the match tempo.
Spin Bowling Advantage
- Deepti Sharma has had past successes against McGrath with five dismissals.
- Left-arm spinner N Shree Charani also impressed in their league encounter.
- Australia has struggled against left-arm spin, losing ten wickets in the World Cup to this type of bowler.
As the teams prepare for this crucial semi-final, fans can anticipate an engaging clash filled with strategic play, outstanding performances, and high stakes.
