On collision course

Facing a familiar foe in their backyard, India will be eager to turn the tables on Australia as the two teams go head to head in the second semifinal of the ICC Women’s World Cup at DY Patil Stadium here Thursday.

Hosts India are looking to enter their third final of the prestigious event, having suffered defeats in both their previous final appearances. Standing in India’s way to another title shot will be the defending champions, who are looking for their eighth title in all. India have a lop-sided head-to-head record against the Australians, having won just 11 of their 61 ODI fixtures.

They have lost four of their last five games against Australia, including the high-scoring game in the league stage of this event when India failed to defend 330 runs. Despite the results, India will gain in confidence from the closeness of the games, hoping that familiarity with the conditions and home support will help carry them over the line.

Shafali Verma, who was brought into the squad at the last moment because of the ankle and knee injuries to in-form opener Pratika Rawal, said the atmosphere in the dressing room was “very positive”.

“The message from the team is simple — keep things uncomplicated, back your strengths and enjoy the moment. The atmosphere is very positive,” she said.

Shafali was confident her presence will help India get past Australia. “I believe God has sent me for something good. The injury to Pratika was really devastating and nobody wishes to join the squad in such a scenario, but I am ready. I know how their bowlers bowl. I have to back my strengths because absolutely they will come hard at us and we have prepared well for it,” she said.

Shafali, who last played an ODI in October 2024, said she knows how to handle the pressure of big matches. “It’s not that I have landed directly, I have been playing the domestic season. I have had a couple of good sessions in the nets. I have played cricket against the Australians, and now I am waiting for my turn again. I have played in the semifinals before. It depends on how I keep myself clear mentally and keep giving myself confidence. I have played in semifinals before, I know the pressure,” she said.

Opener Smriti Mandhana has been in the form of her life, but it is high time the middle order, especially Harmanpreet Kaur and Harleen Deol, rises to the occasion. Jemimah Rodrigues, who missed the match against England before returning to play an attacking knock against New Zealand in a do-or-die match, has also lacked consistency. Wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, who missed India’s last league match due to an injury, is likely to return to provide the firepower to the lower-order.

In the bowing department, spinners Deepti Sharma, Sneh Rana and Shree Charani have done the bulk of the damage, and it will be interesting to see if the team adds Radha Yadav to bolster the attack.

While India have already played two games here, it will be Australia’s first game at the venue in this tournament. Australia coach Shelley Nitschke, though, said her team has adapted to the conditions. “We’ve worked hard on reading the surface quickly. If it’s flat, our bowlers must create chances through accuracy and variation. The bowlers know this match could hinge on their ability to adapt,” she said.

Despite forecasts of unseasonal rain, the pitch remains a batting haven and scoreboard pressure may not work effectively on the chasing side.

“Both teams are balanced. The Indian team has world-class batters, and our strength lies in depth. To be precise, every player knows her role. It’s about composure and execution, not reputation,” said Nitschke.

Australia is the only undefeated team in the tournament, and the likely return of captain Alyssa Healy from injury will be a boost. “She is doing well, we have enough time before tomorrow’s game,” Nitschke said.

The coach said India will benefit from home support. “Many of our players will be playing for the first time here. Last time… it was amazing to see a massive crowd. So, tomorrow as well, the players are expecting to witness the same kind of atmosphere,” she said.