URGENT UPDATE: Australia has won the toss and will bat first against India in the crucial second semifinal of the Women’s Cricket World Cup taking place at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai today, July 15, 2025. This matchup is a must-watch as Australia aims for a record-extending eighth World Cup final.
Aussie captain Alyssa Healy returns to the lineup, having recovered from a calf injury that forced her to miss the last two matches. Healy previously scored back-to-back hundreds against India and Bangladesh, making her return a significant boost for the defending champions.
In a notable change for India, explosive opener Shafali Verma steps in after Pratika Rawal was ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during the final league game against Bangladesh. Verma, who has played 29 one-day internationals and amassed 774 runs at an average of 23, adds a dynamic edge to the Indian batting order.
India has made additional adjustments, bringing back wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh after her rest in the previous game and replacing Harleen Deol with medium-pacer Kranti Goud.
Australia’s lineup also features changes, with Healy replacing Georgia Voll and left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux taking over from wrist spinner Georgia Wareham.
In their earlier league encounter, Australia edged past India by three wickets in a thrilling high-scoring match in Visakhapatnam, holding an impressive 11-3 World Cup record against the co-hosts. Currently, Australia is on a remarkable 16-match unbeaten run in World Cup competitions dating back to 2022.
Weather conditions may pose a challenge with potential rain, but a reserve day is in place to ensure the match can proceed without interruption. The pitch is expected to assist batters, particularly as the game advances into the later stages.
Key Match Lineups:
India: Shafali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, Radha Yadav, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia: Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (captain), Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt.
As the match unfolds, cricket fans worldwide are eager to see if Australia can secure their place in the final, while India fights to keep their championship hopes alive. Stay tuned for live updates as the action intensifies!
