The legendary former Indian women’s captain, Mithali Raj, reckons that Australia would have doubts before facing India in the second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 on October 30 at the Dr DY Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. India would have a massive pressure to beat the defending champions after losing the group-stage clash at the Holkar Stadium in Indore.

India finished the league stage of the event in the fourth position of the points table with a victory against New Zealand and faced a washout in the last game against Bangladesh in Navi Mumbai due to persistent rain.

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“Maybe Australia also has a few doubts when it comes to knockout matches, especially if they’re facing India. There’s now a growing belief that it’s possible to beat this Australian side, despite all their strengths: the deep batting lineup, the strong bowling attack, and the number of quality all-rounders in the XI. The Indian setup seems to genuinely believe this, given the number of matches they’ve won this year.” Raj expressed during a recent interaction with Star Sports. 

Watch: Mithali Raj highlights Australia’s chances in AUS vs IND Women’s World Cup 2025

The veteran addressed that the Blue Brigade would need to get early breakthroughs against Australia. They heavily depend on the opening partnership of captain Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield. She suggested the Blue Brigade bat first and put scorecard pressure on the Australian side.

Do Australia have more to lose? 👀

Mithali Raj's take on the big #INDvAUS semi-final 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/57k9C92R2C

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 28, 2025

“It’s crucial to get early breakthroughs in the first 10 overs when playing Australia because they rely heavily on the start that Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield provide. Looking at the last few games, Ellyse Perry hasn’t been among the runs either, which gives some hope.” Raj reflected.

“If the bowlers can maintain pressure in the middle overs, the runs can be curtailed. But if Australia builds a partnership, that’s where the trouble begins. You need bowlers who can break those partnerships consistently. If India’s openers get off to a good start and if Smriti Mandhana gets going, the batting can revolve around her. We’ve seen that in the third ODI of the recent bilateral series.” Australia's women’s captain shed light.