Can India beat Australia in Women's World Cup semifinal as Rawal’s absence, Healy’s return tilt the balance?

By Admin

30 Oct, 2025

The stage is set for a high-voltage clash as India take on Australia in the second semi-final of the Women’s ODI World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The stakes couldn’t be higher a spot in the final against South Africa awaits the winner. Australia enter the knockout round unbeaten and brimming with confidence, while India, after a shaky start, look like a team that has peaked at the perfect time and are dreaming of taking down the invincible Aussies.

Team News: Rawal’s Injury and Healy’s Return Shift the Equation

Both teams head into this contest with contrasting updates. For India, the absence of in-form opener Pratika Rawal is a significant blow. Rawal, who has been among India’s most consistent performers this tournament, suffered a freak ankle injury during the last league-stage game. In her place, Shafali Verma returns to the top order, expected to bring her fearless stroke-play to the big stage.

Australia, meanwhile, are buoyed by the return of their star batter Alyssa Healy, who has passed her fitness test after missing a couple of games due to a calf strain. Even at 80–90% fitness, Healy’s presence gives Australia a massive morale boost. Her past dominance against the Indian bowling attack adds another psychological edge for the Aussies.

Conditions and Tactical Overview

The DY Patil Stadium has traditionally offered a good balance between bat and ball. Early on, stroke-makers can thrive, but as the match progresses, the spinners find more grip and turn. The par score here hovers around 250–270, meaning any total beyond 270 could be considered competitive. With a reserve day in place, the better team is likely to prevail even if rain interrupts play.

How India Can Flip the Script

For India to overcome the defending champions, several tactical elements must fall into place:

1. Explosive Start at the Top – Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma will have to set the tone early. A Powerplay score of 80–90 runs could unsettle the Australian bowling attack and give India the upper hand.
   
   

2. Spin to Win – India’s biggest strength lies in their quality spin department. The spinners must keep things tight in the middle overs, choking the run flow and forcing the Australian batters into risky shots.
   
   

3. Discipline in Bowling and Fielding – Small margins will decide this contest. India must minimize extras and stay sharp in the field, turning half-chances into game-changing moments.
   
   

If these boxes are ticked, India can certainly challenge Australia’s unbeaten run and rewrite the script.

The Final Word

On paper, Australia remain favourites, powered by Healy’s return and Alana King’s record-breaking 7/18 in the league phase. But cricket, especially knockout cricket, thrives on momentum and belief   both of which India currently possess. With Mandhana in sublime touch and the Mumbai crowd firmly behind them, India have every chance to flip the odds and storm into the final.

Will the Aussies maintain their dominance, or will India script one of the greatest upsets in Women’s World Cup history? The world will be watching when these two giants collide at DY Patil today.