Pressure Mounts on Smriti Mandhana to Deliver Big in Semifinal After Costly Past Error

Star Indian opener Smriti Mandhana has been cautioned against repeating a costly error from the league stage as her team prepares for the high-stakes Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal against Australia on October 31, 2025. Former India captain Anjum Chopra, analysing on Star Sports, pointed to Mandhana's dismissal for 80 in the earlier encounter, where she "threw her wicket away" attempting an aggressive shot after a blistering start. "She wouldn't want to make a mistake like that again," Chopra warned, emphasising the need for disciplined conversion of starts into match-defining centuries. This critique comes as Mandhana, the tournament's leading run-scorer with 365 runs in seven innings at a strike rate exceeding 102, shoulders immense responsibility to anchor India's chase for a maiden World Cup title.

The league-stage clash saw India post a formidable 330, propelled by a 155-run opening stand between Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, only for Australia to chase it down with Alyssa Healy's unbeaten 142. Mandhana's 80 off 66 balls showcased her elegance and timing but ended prematurely, underscoring the fine line between aggression and recklessness in pressure games. Chopra noted Mandhana's awareness: "She also realises that the hard work has to be done all over again," particularly without Rawal, ruled out with an ankle injury. The opener will partner a new face at the top, heightening the demand for a composed powerplay to unsettle Australia's bowling attack, which lacks its usual sharpness despite depth.

Mandhana's form offers optimism; she enters the knockout with a stellar recent record against Australia, amassing 300 runs—including India's fastest ODI century—in a pre-tournament bilateral series. "She will also be waiting to step up... to unleash all the good work," Chopra added, highlighting the psychological edge. India's path to the final has been gritty, marked by defeats to Australia, England, and South Africa—all semifinalists—yet their qualification as the fourth team reflects resilience. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur's tactical acumen and middle-order contributions from Jemimah Rodrigues will complement Mandhana's role in setting a platform.

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This semifinal represents India's best shot at glory since runners-up finishes in 2005 and 2017, with victory propelling them to a final against New Zealand. Mandhana's ability to blend caution with flair could dictate outcomes on batting-friendly pitches, where early momentum often proves decisive. As the cricketing world watches, her response to Chopra's timely reminder may define not just the match but India's legacy in women's ODI cricket.

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