Australia Faces India in Women's Cricket World Cup Semifinals

Strategic Insights -

Australia, seeking to extend their record to eight Cricket World Cup finals, faced off against India in the second semifinal of the Women's Cricket World Cup on Thursday at DY Patil Stadium. Captain Alyssa Healy, previously sidelined due to a calf injury, returned to the lineup after missing the last two games. India, meanwhile, welcomed back attacking opener Shafali Verma, who had been ruled out due to an ankle injury, and made two other changes, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh and medium-pacer Kranti Goud.

Key Takeaways:

  • Australia's Captain Alyssa Healy returned to the lineup after recovering from a calf injury, which had sidelined her for the last two games.
  • India's attacking opener Shafali Verma, who had been ruled out due to an ankle injury, was back in the lineup after playing 29 one-day internationals and scoring 774 runs at an average of 23 and a strike rate of 83.20.
  • India made two other changes, bringing in wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh, who was back after resting in the previous game, and medium-pacer Kranti Goud, replacing Harleen Deol.
  • Australia beat India by three wickets in a high-scoring game at Visakhapatnam in the league stage and enjoys an 11-3 record against the co-host in World Cups.
  • Australia is on a 16-match unbeaten run in the World Cup, dating back to 2022.
  • The match took place at DY Patil Stadium, where India's Pratika Rawal was injured while fielding against Bangladesh in the final league game.
  • Left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux took over for wrist spinner Georgia Wareham in the Australian lineup.

Statistics:

  • Alyssa Healy returned to form after missing the last two games.
  • Shafali Verma had played 29 one-day internationals and scored 774 runs at an average of 23 and a strike rate of 83.20.
  • Australia's record against India in World Cups is 11-3.
  • Australia is on a 16-match unbeaten run in the World Cup, dating back to 2022.
  • The match was played at DY Patil Stadium, which is the same venue where India's Pratika Rawal was injured.

Sources:

  • AP (2025)