Visakhapatnam is buzzing with anticipation as India prepares to face undefeated Australia in a crucial match of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. The high-stakes game, set for October 12th at the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, has generated immense excitement, with all 15,087 tickets sold out.
India enters the contest following a narrow three-wicket loss to South Africa, a defeat that exposed tactical flaws, particularly the reliance on a five-bowler attack. With skipper Harmanpreet Kaur forced to bowl part-time spin in the previous match, the lack of a sixth bowling option proved costly. To prevent a recurrence against Australia's strong batting lineup, India will need to strengthen their bowling depth.
The top-order batting has also been a cause of concern for India. In previous matches against Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the lower middle order had to step in to rescue the team after repeated failures by the top order. The team will be looking for stability and intent from players like Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, and Jemimah Rodrigues. Mandhana, in particular, will need to elevate her performance after a subdued start to the tournament. Across three matches, she's tallied 54 runs at an average of 18, a significant drop from her pre-World Cup form when she averaged 66. However, there's optimism that she can turn things around against Australia, one of her favorite opponents, against whom she has scored 916 runs at an average of 48.21 with four centuries in ODIs.
Australia, the reigning champions and record seven-time world champions, are currently undefeated in the tournament. They demonstrated their resilience in a match against Pakistan, where Beth Mooney's outstanding century led to a remarkable comeback victory. With seasoned players like Ashleigh Gardner, Ellyse Perry, and Alyssa Healy in peak form, Australia will aim to extend their winning streak.
Ahead of the game, Australia captain Alyssa Healy acknowledged the growing rivalry between the two sides. Australia defeated India 2-1 in a three-match ODI series shortly before the World Cup, giving them a psychological edge. However, India can draw confidence from their past successes against Australia in the World Cup, including Harmanpreet Kaur's memorable 171* in the 2017 semi-final.
India's coach has emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions. The team's familiarity with the ACA-VDCA Stadium, thanks to pre-World Cup camps, should also be beneficial.
On the eve of the match, the Indian team held an optional training session, with a strong turnout indicating renewed focus. Pratika Rawal, India's most consistent top-order batter in the group stage, worked hard in the nets, displaying determination to convert her solid starts into a substantial innings. Wicketkeeper Uma Chetri was also seen honing her skills.
As India prepares to face Australia, the team is focused on addressing its tactical shortcomings and delivering a strong performance in front of a sold-out home crowd.
