Australia took firm control of the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 against India in Navi Mumbai, thanks to a sensational innings from Phoebe Litchfield. The young left-hander slammed a superb century, stabilizing Australia’s innings after the early loss of opener Alyssa Healy. Partnering with Ellyse Perry, who looked poised for a half-century, Litchfield helped her side cruise past the 150-run mark in commanding fashion.

The partnership between Litchfield and Perry proved dynamic, with both batters rotating the strike effortlessly and punishing loose deliveries. Their fluency kept the Indian bowlers on the defensive, limiting opportunities for breakthroughs. Kranti Gaud had earlier provided India with a vital early wicket, dismissing Healy cheaply and briefly raising hopes of restricting Australia’s top order.

India made three changes to their lineup for the crucial knockout clash. Shafali Verma returned to the side, replacing injured batter Pratika Rawal, while Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud came in for Uma Chetry and Harleen Deol. Captain Healy, back in the Australian XI after recovering from injury, opted to bat first after winning the toss.

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As the innings progressed, India’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistency on a placid Wankhede surface offering little assistance. Spinners failed to extract turn, while seamers found limited movement. With Litchfield piercing gaps and Perry rotating seamlessly, the Australian camp looked fully in control heading into the final overs of the first innings.

India will hope their batting lineup, led by Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur, can counterattack in the chase, but the mounting scoreboard pressure could prove decisive if Australia post a total exceeding 280. All eyes remain on whether India can script a late turnaround to book their place in the final.

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