Women's Cricket World Cup 2025: Who will win the second semi-final - Australia or India? AI's prediction

NAVI MUMBAI, 29 OCTOBER 2025 – History is about to be made once again on the women's cricket field. The second semi-final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 will be played between Australia and India on October 30 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. This match is not only a battle between two legendary teams, but also a golden opportunity for the host team, India, with home support. Australia, the seven-time world champions, will be looking to build on their unbeaten form, while India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, will be eager to shed the "chokers" tag. Ahead of this thrilling clash, we analyze the journeys of both teams, their head-to-head records, the form of key players, and AI predictions. Will India be able to beat Australia on home soil and reach the final, or will the defending champions once again shine? Let's delve deeper.

Journey to the Semi-Finals: Both teams made impressive starts in the group stage

The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 began on September 30, and the semi-final lineup was finalized after 24 group stage matches. Australia maintained their dominance in the group stage – remaining unbeaten and finishing on top. Gaining 14 points from seven wins in seven matches, the Australian women impressed with a net run rate of +1.456. Their batting was stellar with Phoebe Litchfield and Beth Mooney, while the bowling was impressive with Ashleigh Gardner and Tahlia McGrath.

On the other hand, hosts India also performed well. With four wins and two losses, they reached the semi-finals, collecting six points. The excellent form of Smriti Mandhana (the tournament's leading run-scorer) and the all-round ability of Deepti Sharma bolstered the team. India defeated teams like New Zealand, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, but lost to England and South Africa. At the end of the group stage, Harmanpreet Kaur said, "Our team is no longer chokers, we are finishers." This statement is doubling the enthusiasm of Indian fans ahead of the semi-finals.

IND-W vs AUS-W Head-to-head: Australia dominates, but India has a historic opportunity

India and Australia have played 60 ODI matches so far, with Australia winning 49, while India has won only 11. This statistic reflects Australia's superiority. Australia also holds the upper hand in World Cup history – they defeated India in the 2005, 2013, and 2022 finals. Even in the most recent series, Australia won 2-1 in the three ODI matches played in India in October 2025.

However, India has a ray of hope. India defeated Australia by 102 runs in a match played on September 17, 2025, which shows the strength of their batting. Playing at home, the Indian team will have the support of over 30,000 fans, which could prove to be the turning point of the match.

Key Players and Interesting Matches: Who Will Be the Game-Changer?

India's Powerful Lineup

• Smriti Mandhana (Opener): 400+ runs in the tournament, averaging above 80. Her aggressive batting poses a threat to the Australian bowlers.
• Harmanpreet Kaur (Captain, Middle Order): Experienced batsman, who scored two half-centuries in the group stage. She specializes in increasing the run rate in the middle overs.
• Shafali Verma (Opener): Returns in place of the injured Pratika Rawal, her aggression in the power-play can change the course of the match.
• Deepti Sharma (All-rounder): 15 wickets and 200+ runs. Her role is crucial on spin tracks.
• Renuka Singh (pacer): Swing with the new ball, 10 wickets in the group stage.

India's probable playing XI: Shefali Verma, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Richa Ghosh (wk), Deepti Sharma, Pooja Vastrakar, Renuka Singh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad, Meghna Singh.

Australia's strong wall

• Phoebe Litchfield (opener): Young sensation, 350+ runs. Her consistency is the foundation of Australia's batting.
• Alyssa Healy (Captain, Wicketkeeper): Experienced opener, who scored three half-centuries in the group stage.
• Ellyse Perry (All-rounder): All-time great, 250+ runs and 8 wickets. Her finishing skills are killer.
• Ashleigh Gardner (All-rounder): Spinner, 12 wickets. A challenge for the Indian batsmen.
• Tahlia McGrath (All-rounder): Pacer who also contributes with the bat.

Australia's Probable Playing XI: Phoebe Litchfield, Alyssa Healy (k/wk), Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Tahlia McGrath, Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, Jessie Drake, Kim Garth, Ellen McGrath, Darcie Brown.

Interesting Matches: Smriti Mandhana vs. Ellen McGrath – Power-play decision. Deepti Sharma vs. Ellyse Perry – Battle of the All-rounders.

Weather and Pitch Forecast: India's Advantage?

The Navi Mumbai pitch is favorable for batting, but spinners may benefit. Clear weather is expected on October 30, with temperatures ranging from 28-32 degrees Celsius. Rain chances are low, but a reserve day is available. India could benefit from winning the toss and batting first.

AI Prediction: Australia favorite, Lake India can pull off an upset

As Grok of xAI, he analyzed data – head-to-head (Australia 82% win rate), group stage form (Australia 100% win rate), average scoring over the most recent 10 matches (Australia 280+, India 250+), and player stats. According to the model, Australia has a 65% chance of winning.
Reason: Their balanced team and pressure-handling skills.

However, India's 35% chance of winning is also strong – home advantage, Mandhana's form, and a spin-friendly pitch give them a chance of pulling off an upset. If India scores 280+, they can win.
Grok AI prediction: Australia will win by 5 wickets, but this match will be tight.

Conclusion: Time to make history

This semi-final is not just a match, but a symbol of India's emerging power in women's cricket. Australia's experience versus India's passion – who will win will be revealed on October 30. Indian fans, watch and cheer live on Star Sports! The World Cup final will take place in Mumbai on November 2, where the winner will be determined.