Shafali to open with Mandhana; Rodrigues at 3? India's strongest XI for World Cup semis vs AUS

Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma (Source:@BCCIWomen)

India are all set to take on Australia in the high-profile second semifinal of the Women's World Cup 2025. The Aussies are the defending champions and are unbeaten in this tournament too, while India have blown hot and cold so far.

The group stage game between the two teams turned out to be a high-scoring encounter. India scored 330 while batting first, but could not defend the score, and they would be looking to come out with better plans this time around. So, ahead of the clash, let's see what would be India's strongest XI for the marquee clash.

Shafali Verma to accompany Smriti Mandhana in the absence of Pratika Rawal

Shafali Verma has been named as the replacement of Pratika Rawal and is expected to straightaway fit into the XI. She is an explosive batter who can destroy bowling attacks, which could help India against a strong team like Australia.

Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana's opening stands have helped India post big totals in this World Cup. Thus, Shafali would need to step up and provide Smriti Mandhana support in the Powerplay. Also, Mandhana has a great record against Australia and would be crucial for India's chances again.

Why should Jemimah Rodrigues bat at 3 over Harleen Deol?

India have gone with Harleen Deol at number 3 in this World Cup. She provides stability and has scored decently, but her strike-rate of 75.11 has been an issue. Also, she has failed to convert her starts into a big score and India can benefit more by bringing in Jemimah Rodrigues at three against Australia in semis.

Harleen Deol vs Jemimah Rodrigues in 2025 (WODIs)

Rodrigues walked out to bat at 3 over Harleen Deol against New Zealand after India got a good start and kept the momentum going. She scored an unbeaten 76 off just 55 balls, and it is the kind of knock India would need against the mighty Australians. The Women in Blue might have to chase a big score if they are batting second or would have to post a massive total, and Rodrigues at three can be more impactful than Harleen Deol.

Thus, India need to go with an aggressive mindset if they want to beat a team like Australia. Therefore, a player of Rodrigues' class would be beneficial in this pursuit.

Why should Radha Yadav play over Sneh Rana?

Radha Yadav has been warming benches throughout this tournament, but when she got the chance, the left-arm spinner grabbed it with both hands. She picked three wickets, and there is now a temptation to include her in the playing XI.

However, to keep her in the XI, India would have to sacrifice Sneh Rana again. Rana has been playing over Radha Yadav because she provides the variety with his off-breaks and can bat too. However, Sneh Rana has picked just one wicket in the last three matches and also leaked 85 runs in 10 overs when India last played Australia.

Sneh Rana's bowling performance in Women's World Cup 2025

To beat Australia, India would need to pick wickets in the middle overs. So, having more penetration in the form of Radha Yadav could help India's cause. Radha is also a decent batter, and so she can bat at number eight and therefore should be preferred for the game against Australia over Sneh Rana.

Six bowling options: A must-have against Australia

India have been relying on all-rounders in this World Cup and have sacrificed their bowling to prolong the batting line-up. However, it backfired in the game against South Africa and Australia as India could not defend the target due to a lack of options in the bowling department.

Thus, India need to have six bowling options at their disposal for the big game against Australia. Amanjot Kaur has not been in great bowling form and so keeping her as second seamer can be detrimental. Thus, India should go with Renuka Singh and Kranti Goud as two frontline pacers along with the spin trio of Deepti Sharma, Sree Charani and Radha Yadav. Amanjot Kaur can be used as the sixth bowler, which will provide India more cushion against a powerful Australian batting line-up.

Thus, India need to make some tough calls ahead of the semifinal and make sure that they go with an aggressive intent to beat World Champions, Australia.

India's strongest XI for semifinal against Australia

Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Jemmimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur (C), Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh (WK), Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav, Sree Charani, Kranti Goud, Renuka Singh

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