Lightning struck once in 2017, can India thunder again in 2025?

The last time India faced Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup was in 2017, a night etched in history thanks to Harmanpreet Kaur’s once-in-a-lifetime knock of 171 not out, which sent the then six-time champions crashing out of the tournament. For Australia, that defeat was a bitter pill to swallow.Since then, they have watched that game over and over again, dissecting every detail, making strategic changes, including promoting Alyssa Healy to open the batting, and emerging as an altogether different beast in world cricket.

But 2017 wasn’t the first time these two giants clashed in a World Cup semi-final. Their rivalry on this stage dates back to 1997, when India hosted the tournament. On that occasion, it was Australia who had the last laugh. Between those years, they also met in the 2005 final, where Australia once again reigned supreme, clinching their fifth title. Now, as India and Australia prepare for their third semi-final showdown in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, expect plenty of fireworks, provided the rain gods stay away.

When these two sides met earlier in the league stage in Vizag, fans were treated to a run-fest, with more than 650 runs scored in a single match. India posted a formidable 330, only for Australia, led by Healy’s explosive 142 off 107 balls, to chase it down with three wickets and an over to spare.

While India have already played a couple of matches at Navi Mumbai in this tournament, it will be Australia’s first outing at this venue. The last time India batted first here, they piled up a mammoth 340 against New Zealand, courtesy of twin centuries from openers Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, both among the tournament’s top run-getters.However, India will have a new look at the top this time. Pratika’s injury has ruled her out of the semi-final, paving the way for Shafali Verma’s return, Smriti’s former opening partner. The swashbuckling Haryana batter, fresh from a dominant run in domestic T20s, will now have the responsibility of delivering in a do-or-die clash.As an opening pair, Smriti and Shafali average 44 against Australia, a partnership India will hope to reignite when it matters most.

While India’s batting unit appears well-settled, the bowling remains a concern. In this World Cup, India failed to defend totals in excess of 250 against Australia, England, and South Africa, all matches that went down to the wire but ended in heartbreak.Despite three league-stage wins against weaker opponents, India are yet to find a bowling combination that inspires confidence. The absence of a reliable sixth bowling option continues to haunt them against top-tier sides.With one forced change already, Shafali in for Pratika, the team management is unlikely to make further alterations. Expect India to back their five main bowlers, with captain Harmanpreet Kaur or even Shafali Verma likely to roll her arm over for a few crucial overs if needed.

Australia, on the other hand, have looked like a well-oiled machine. Blessed with a blend of world-class all-rounders, a potent spin attack, and an enviable depth of match-winners, the seven-time champions remain unbeaten and unflustered.Having missed their captain in the last two games, the Aussies are expected to welcome Alyssa Healy back for this high-stakes encounter and what better stage for her return than against her favourite nemesis, India.

Two leaders. Two icons. Two teams with unfinished business. Harmanpreet vs Healy promises to be another blockbuster chapter in this enduring rivalry.And when the two walk out for the toss, don’t be surprised if Healy jokingly checks Harmanpreet’s back pocket, just to make sure she hasn’t carried that Derby strip from 2017 with her.

Head-to-Head

Overall: India – 11, Australia – 49

In India: India – 5, Australia – 23

At World Cups: India – 3, Australia – 11

ICC ODI Rankings: India – 3, Australia – 1

Match details

Date: October 30, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM
Venue: Dr D Y Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

Live streaming: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar