India’s quest for a maiden Women’s World Cup title will see them square off against Australia. The semifinal clash will be played at the DY Patil Stadium on Thursday, with India eyeing to end the Australia juggernaut. Australia are unbeaten in 15 World Cup matches, their last defeat coming against India in 2017 semis.
Can India pull off an encore vs Australia?
India will hope to replicate their 2017 heroics when they face Australia in the Women’s World Cup semi-final. Harmanpreet Kaur had struck a sensational 171 to help India to a win in Derby. It remains Australia’s only defeat in Women’s World Cup in the last three editions.
Teams have close this edition but Australia have brushed then aside with their sheer depth. India set a target of 331, only for Alyssa Healy to brush it aside with a herculean 142. She is primed to return having missed the last two games due to injury.
India have their own injury troubles. Pratika Rawal is ruled out of the tournament with Shafali Verma replacing her. Whether India opt to feature her or continue with a quick fix opener in Amanjot Kaur or Harleen Deol remains to be seen.
Navi Mumbai weather: Will rain play spoilsport?
India’s two games at the DY Patil Stadium have been both interrupted by rain. The weather forecast for Thursday does not bode well with showers expected in the evening. There is a reserve day for the semi final but forecast for rain remains for Friday as well.
IND-W vs AUS-W Predicted XI
India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Renuka Thakur, Shree Charani and Kranti Gaud.
Australia: Alyssa Healy, Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt, Darcie Brown.
