With the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup entering its decisive phase, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India find themselves at a crossroads. After a shock defeat to South Africa, the hosts face the formidable Australians in Visakhapatnam on Sunday — a clash that could make or break their semifinal hopes.
The tagline of this World Cup, “Will to Win”, now rings especially true for India. Having started strongly with wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the hosts’ campaign hit a stumbling block against South Africa, where Nadine de Klerk’s unbeaten 84 snatched victory from India’s grasp.
With four points from three matches, India sit third in the table but face a daunting stretch against Australia, England and New Zealand — the three heavyweights likely to contest the top four spots.
Rana: “We Will Remain Positive And Play Our Game”
Off-spinner Sneh Rana, speaking ahead of the match, insisted that the South Africa loss had not dented the team’s morale.
We agree that our bowling in the last three overs was not what we would have liked, but that defeat has not caused panic in the team. Such things happen; we are not worried. There is a lot to play for.
The 31-year-old added that India would focus on execution rather than over-analysis.
We will remain positive and play positive cricket. There were many positives — in fielding, bowling and handling pressure. We’ll stick to our game plan and execute it better.
On India’s much-talked-about struggles against left-arm spin, Rana was quick to downplay the concern. “I don’t think it’s a big issue. Our batters have handled such situations before, and ups and downs are part of the game. We have some of the best batters in the world, and I’m confident they’ll bounce back strongly.”
India Seek Spark From Recent Win Over Australia
India will also draw confidence from their recent bilateral ODI series, where they beat the reigning world champions in the second game.
We’ve beaten them before, and the win just before the World Cup gives us a lot of belief. The World Cup is a different stage, but our plans are clear, our discussions have been detailed, and everyone knows their roles.
However, India’s batting inconsistencies remain a concern. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues have yet to find rhythm, while skipper Harmanpreet Kaur is still searching for a big score. The team is also likely to bring in Renuka Singh to strengthen the pace attack after late-overs lapses against South Africa.
Healy: “No Extra Pressure, We’re Used To Adapting”
Australian captain Alyssa Healy brushed aside suggestions that India’s home advantage could trouble her side. “Absolutely no extra pressure on our team. We’ve come here with a job to do, and that hasn’t changed,” said Healy. “It’s great that we got to look at the conditions during India’s game against South Africa. Tomorrow is a fresh opportunity — and I’ve heard it’s sold out, which is exciting.”
Australia, unbeaten so far, lead the standings with five points. Their resilience was on display against Pakistan when, despite being 77/6, Beth Mooney (109) and Alana King (51) guided them to 221 before their bowlers sealed a 107-run win.
We’re allowed to be put under pressure — that’s part of World Cups. But I back our depth. Every game, someone different has stepped up.
Slow Surface, High Stakes
The Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy Stadium pitch is expected to aid spinners, making application and patience key. Batting may ease under lights, offering some respite for teams chasing. With India’s campaign hanging in the balance and Australia looking to extend their unbeaten run, Sunday’s clash promises high drama — and perhaps, a turning point in the hosts’ World Cup story.
Probable XIs: India: Smriti Mandhana, Pratika Rawal, Harleen Deol, Amanjot Kaur, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (wk), Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Renuka Singh
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt.
