India and defending champions Australia are set for a blockbuster clash in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on Thursday. The match begins at 3:00 PM IST, with live streaming on JioHotstar and TV telecast on Star Sports Network.
Australia, unbeaten so far, are chasing a record-extending eighth world title, while India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, aim to reach their first-ever World Cup crown on home soil. However, India will miss opener Pratika Rawal, the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer, due to an ankle injury. Her absence could see Shafali Verma return to the top order, while Richa Ghosh remains a doubtful starter due to a finger injury.
Australia’s strength lies in their all-round balance — Annabel Sutherland (15 wickets) and Alana King (13) have dominated with the ball, while Alyssa Healy, though nursing a calf strain, remains their top scorer with 294 runs. India will bank on in-form players Smriti Mandhana and Deepti Sharma, who is joint-highest wicket-taker, to challenge the Aussies.
With rain forecasts showing a 25% chance of showers, a reserve day has been kept for Friday. If the match is washed out, Australia will progress to the final for finishing higher in the group stage. The stage is set for another classic — a rematch of the iconic 2017 semi-final where Harmanpreet’s 171* stunned the Aussies. Can history repeat itself in Navi Mumbai?
