HYDERABAD, Oct. 30, 2025 — Hosts India women’s cricket team and reigning champions Australia women’s cricket team face off in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 at the Dr D Y Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, today at 3 p.m. IST. The winner advances to the final; the loser’s campaign ends here.
Match context and narrative
Australia enter this knockout fixture as clear favorite’s. Historically dominant – having won 49 of the 60 women’s ODIs played between these sides while India have 11 wins. They also arrive with confidence, having topped the group stage unbeaten. India, meanwhile, have momentum but also pressure: a home semi-final and a chance for a breakthrough. The narrative is rich: India chasing a maiden win over Australia in a World Cup semi-final, Australia defending their legacy.
Venue & conditions
Navi Mumbai’s Dr D Y Patil ground has offered something for both batters and bowlers in the tournament. Recent games at the venue suggest teams batting first have had an edge. With a likely toss decision influenced by early contact (dew, light), the captain winning the toss will need to decide whether to bat or chase. Given Australia’s chasing pedigree and India’s home crowd backing, the tactical nuance will matter.
Key players and match-ups
India
- Smriti Mandhana has been in electric form; she features as India’s batting fulcrum and must lead from the front.
- Shafali Verma replaces the injured opener (Pratika Rawal) and brings the promise of an attacking start – a pressure alarm for Australia.
- India’s bowlers will need to maintain discipline. In past games against Australia, they have been stretched in the death overs and overpowered by depth.
Australia - Alyssa Healy as captain and wicket-keeper remains central. Her fitness and form will be pivotal, especially early on.
- The bowling unit, led by ever-reliable names like Ellyse Perry and Alana King, brings experience and variety. King’s variations have troubled India before.
- Australia’s middle-order depth gives them flexibility if their top order falters.
Tactical battles to watch
- Opening exchanges: India’s Shafali/Mandhana vs Australia’s new ball attack. A strong start can catapult India to a defendable total or set up a chase.
- Spin vs pace: India’s strength in spin (Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav) could be crucial. Australia’s pace attack, including King and Megan Schutt, must counter that.
- Death overs: Australia have mastered the art of closing games; India’s execution under pressure in the last 10 overs and last five overs could define the outcome.
- Toss decision: With dew and batting-friendly conditions likely, the decision to bat or chase could tilt the match.
Recent form and momentum
India shocked Australia earlier in the tournament when Mandhana and opener Pratika Rawal stitched the highest opening partnership for India against Australia in Women’s ODIs, hinting at India’s growing firepower. Australia, however, responded with a record-setting chase and reinforced their status as standard bearers in women’s ODIs. This recent form suggests no team has the psychological edge by much – though Australia may still hold a slight advantage on paper.
In case you missed: South Africa Women vs England Women, South Africa women storm into first World Cup final after crushing England by 125 runs
Prediction & key insight
If India can post a strong total (say 280+), their chances dramatically improve. Their batting depth, home crowd and spin strength give them a shot. Australia will lean on experience, pacing of innings and ability to chase heavy targets. If conditions remain batting-friendly, this could turn into a high-scoring affair. For India, the key will be seizing the moment early and not letting the match drift away in the final overs. For Australia, settling early and controlling the pace of play will matter.
Margin call: Slight edge to Australia due to history and knockout-match temperament, but if India execute their plan and enjoy a smooth first 20 overs, they can upset the script.
Final thoughts
This semi-final is more than just a game. For India, it is about assertion – proof that they belong in the top echelon in ODIs. For Australia, it is about legacy – maintaining dominance and showing relentlessness. The Dr D Y Patil stage is set, the crowd will be loud, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whoever holds their nerve best will walk into the final with momentum; the other will be left wondering what might have been.
