Think ODI World Cups, think Australia, think knockouts, think Harmanpreet Kaur.

There’s a pre and a post 2017 era in women’s cricket. And that inflexion point is a 143-minute hurricane that hit Derbyshire in an Indian jersey. 20 fours, seven sixes, 115 balls. The iconic throw of the helmet in an angry, determined, steely celebration. Harmanpreet Kaur had put on her cape. Women’s cricket, at least in India, was firmly put on the map.

It was Australia then in the semi-final, and now, eight years down, it is Australia again. India have seen it all in the group stages – easy wins, heartbreaks, defeats from the jaws of victory, rain, winning on DLS – and are battle-hardened for the unbeaten Aussies. The Girls in Blue also have the advantage of having played at the DY Patil Stadium over the last week. It’s been a ground where India love playing in, and where the Aamchi Mumbai spirit comes out in full force.

This is the one trophy that’s been missing from India’s cabinet. The girls have come sooo close to bringing it home in the past. In a home World Cup now, let’s give it our all to make sure it stays right here!

What: India Women vs Australia Women

When: October 30, 2025 | 3:00pm IST

Where: DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai

What to expect: Australia are the team to beat. They’ve been unbeaten so far in the tournament and have been very dominant. The Navi Mumbai pitch has always been batting friendly, but with the Aussies playing their first match here. With the rain set to play a part in the permutations as well and India being forced to change their successful opening combination now with Pratika Rawal injured and ruled out, there’s a lot for both teams to think of. It promises to be a serious thriller. Everything. Is. On. The. Line.