UPDATE: Australia has won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the highly anticipated second semifinal of the Women’s Cricket World Cup today at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. This decisive match is critical as Australia aims for a record-extending eighth World Cup final.
Captain Alyssa Healy, who had been sidelined due to a calf injury, is back in action, boosting the defending champions’ chances. Healy’s return comes after she missed crucial games against England and South Africa, during which she had previously scored back-to-back centuries against India and Bangladesh.
In a significant shift for India, attacking opener Shafali Verma re-enters the lineup after Pratika Rawal was ruled out due to an ankle injury sustained during the league stage against Bangladesh. Verma, with 29 ODIs under her belt, has accumulated 774 runs at an average of 23 and a strike rate of 83.20. Remarkably, she was not part of the original squad but has been thrust into a pivotal role.
India has made two other adjustments: wicketkeeper-batter Richa Ghosh returns after a rest, while medium-pacer Kranti Goud replaces Harleen Deol. This strategic reshuffling aims to strengthen India’s position as they face a formidable Australian side.
Australia boasts a dominant 11-3 record against India in World Cup encounters and is currently on an impressive 16-match unbeaten streak in the tournament, dating back to 2022. The pitch is expected to favor batters, providing some spin as the match progresses, which could play a crucial role in the outcome.
As the rain threat looms, organizers have implemented a reserve day, ensuring that this crucial match proceeds without disruption. The atmosphere is electric, with both teams vying for a spot in the finals, and fans eagerly await the showdown.
Here are the 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.
Stay tuned for live updates as this thrilling semifinal unfolds!
