As India gears up to face Australia in the thrilling semi-final of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup, expectations are running high. With a strong squad and the advantage of home conditions, India aims to create history against one of the sport’s most formidable teams. In a match where pressure management and temperament can make all the difference, three players stand out as key contributors to India’s campaign: Smriti Mandhana, Deepti Sharma, and Harmanpreet Kaur.
Smriti Mandhana
Smriti Mandhana has established herself as India’s most reliable batter in one-day cricket. Across her 115 ODI matches, she has scored an impressive 5,253 runs at an average of 48.63, which includes 14 centuries and 34 fifties. Her ability to stabilise innings while also being able to accelerate when needed makes her a critical asset for India.
In the ongoing Women’s World Cup, Mandhana has been remarkable, accumulating 365 runs in seven innings, highlighted by a match-winning 109 against New Zealand and a stylish 88 against England. She currently leads the tournament in run scoring and holds her career-best ICC rating of 828 during this competition, placing her among the world’s elite batters. Her record against Australia is particularly impressive, over 996 runs scored at an average of 49.80, featuring four centuries and six half-centuries.
In a league match earlier in the tournament, she laid a strong foundation with a dazzling 80 off 66 balls against Australia. Her recent performances leading up to the World Cup, including an explosive 125 in a series decider, demonstrate her capacity for brilliance when it matters most. If India stands a chance against Australia’s strong bowling attack, Smriti Mandhana will need to deliver another standout performance.
Deepti Sharma
Deepti Sharma is vital for maintaining India’s balance. As a versatile all-rounder, she has tallied 2,657 runs and taken 155 wickets in 119 WODIs, proving her worth time and again.
In the current World Cup, Deepti has excelled, especially in the middle overs, with 15 wickets at an average of 22.46 and an economy rate of 5.43. Her skill in striking early has often swung matches in India’s favour. She’s also made significant contributions with the bat, scoring 133 runs in five innings, including two important half-centuries. Her character shone through in a critical 50-run effort against England.
Deepti’s special performances with the ball are noteworthy, including a standout match where she took 4 wickets for 51 runs against England, making her the second-highest wicket-taker in the World Cup so far. Her track record against Australia is encouraging as she has dismissed key players like Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner multiple times. Her composed and strategic mindset will be essential in the high-pressure environment of a semi-final.
Harmanpreet Kaur
No discussion of India’s chances is complete without mentioning Harmanpreet Kaur, the heart of the team. As captain, her aggressive style and ability to inspire make her a crucial tactical leader. With 4300 runs and 31 wickets from 159 ODIs, her real strength shines when the stakes are high.
Her legendary 171* off just 115 balls against Australia in the 2017 Women’s World Cup semi-final is a cherished memory for fans, a phenomenal innings that secured India’s spot in the final. In this World Cup, she has been consistent, contributing 151 runs in seven innings, including a brilliant 70 off 70 balls against England, while also executing astute tactical decisions on the field.
Against a team that is well aware of her destructive potential, her experience and calmness will be crucial. If she can replicate some of that iconic performance from 2017, India could indeed be a formidable opponent.
As India faces off against Australia in the Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final, the performance of Mandhana, Deepti, and Harmanpreet will be critical. Mandhana’s batting flair, Deepti’s all-around capabilities, and Harmanpreet’s leadership and experience will define India’s strategy. If they can harmonise their efforts, India won’t just participate; they’ll stand a genuine chance at challenging Australia’s dominance and making it a memorable night for home fans.
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