India is gearing up for a high-stakes ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal clash against the dominant Australian team at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Fans are hoping for a magical performance, reminiscent of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur’s incredible 171 against Australia eight years ago. This match is not just about winning; it’s about making history, but India faces a significant challenge with the injury of in-form opener Pratika Rawal, whose recent century against New Zealand had revitalized the team’s campaign.
Shafali Verma in a net session ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)
During a pre-match media session, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop weighed in on India’s prospects, stressing the need for a ‘next-player-up’ approach to fill Rawal’s absence and maintain team morale. “Losing Pratika, especially after her recent hundred, is a big blow,” Bishop acknowledged. “But within the team, it has to be the next player up. Whether they go with Shafali Verma, whose record against Australia isn’t great, or someone else, they cannot dwell on the fact that Pratika isn’t there. Someone must step in and make an impact — it’s a World Cup semifinal, and everything is on the line.”
Bishop believes Shafali Verma, who has been drafted in late, has the potential to be that game-changer if she plays with clarity and without succumbing to pressure. “It comes down to mindset,” he explained. “Shafali has to look at this as a chance she didn’t expect. It’s the biggest stage outside a final, and she can’t afford to think about pressure. Her thought must be, I have an opportunity to make a difference for my team and country. If she stays relaxed and trusts her preparation, she can fill that void.”
For Bishop, India’s best chance of halting Australia’s juggernaut lies in maintaining composure and fielding an attack strong enough to challenge their batting depth. “It’s no easy task against a team as good as Australia,” he admitted. “But they’re not invincible. India must believe it’s just another cricket game — not life or death. If they go in relaxed but focused, that’s when upsets happen. I’d like India to field six bowlers to handle Australia’s batting depth. Let the batters take responsibility, but you need that extra bowling option.”
On India’s possible combination, Bishop was cautious but firm about the need for balance. “It’s a tricky call. I don’t know how you drop Harleen Deol. If Richa Ghosh is fit, she must come back in. Maybe Harleen can open if they don’t go with Shafali. Radha Yadav bowled beautifully against Bangladesh, so she’s hard to leave out. For me, against a strong side like Australia, you can’t rely on part-timers — specialists win semifinals.”
Rain could also play a role in Navi Mumbai, where India’s last league match was washed out. Asked which side might benefit from interruptions, Bishop offered a measured take. “In a shortened game, it depends on timing,” he explained. “Australia have more power in their lineup — their strike rates show that. So if rain shortens the match and they’re chasing, it might tilt slightly in their favour. But cricket’s unpredictable — if India start well and build scoreboard pressure, that equation can flip.”
For India, Smriti Mandhana’s exceptional form, with 365 runs at an average of 60.83, remains their primary hope. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur will also need to rekindle her explosive form to inspire another memorable performance. Australia, meanwhile, continues to exemplify precision and stability. With Alyssa Healy’s anticipated return, alongside the consistent performances of Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner, and Annabel Sutherland, the defending champions undoubtedly set the standard.
As the grand stage is set under the Mumbai skies, Bishop’s concluding message was a blend of realism and encouragement: “Australia has the statistics and momentum, but sheer belief can bridge that gap. India must play with the conviction that they belong here – calm, fearless, and ready to seize every moment. Just one spark, one extraordinary innings, is all it takes to turn the tide.”