Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 – The stage is set at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai for a highly anticipated semi-final clash between India and Australia in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter as the home side, India, takes on the defending champions, Australia.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Australia's Playing XI includes Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (w/c), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, and Megan Schutt. India's Playing XI is yet to be confirmed.
In a significant blow to the Indian team, opener Pratika Rawal has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury sustained during the last league stage match against Bangladesh. Shafali Verma has been named as her replacement in the squad and has been included in the playing XI. Along with Verma, Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud have also been included in the squad replacing Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry.
Australia, who are chasing their record-extending eighth Women's ODI World Cup title, come into this match as the favourites, having dominated the league stage with six wins and one washout. Their impressive form includes a 15-match unbeaten run in ODI World Cups since 2017. India, however, will be hoping to use their home advantage to overcome the odds and secure their first-ever World Cup title.
The two teams have already met once in the group stage, where Australia emerged victorious in a high-scoring match, chasing down a record total set by India. Alyssa Healy's scintillating century earned her the Player of the Match award in that game. However, Healy’s participation in today's game was initially doubtful due to a calf strain that caused her to miss Australia's last two group matches. She is fit to play and will be leading the side.
The weather in Navi Mumbai was initially a concern, with a yellow alert issued for Thursday morning, warning of heavy showers and thunderstorms. However, the forecast has improved, with conditions expected to clear by match time. To mitigate the risk of weather disruptions, the ICC has included a reserve day for both semi-finals and the final.
Cricket fans in India can catch the live action on Star Sports Network channels, the official broadcaster of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. Live streaming will also be available on the JioStar app and website.
The winner of today's match will face South Africa in the final, who defeated England in the first semi-final.
