'We Know How Much India Wants to...' – Alyssa Healy warns India ahead of IND-W vs AUS-W ICC Women's World Cup 2025 clash

The India–Australia rivalry in women’s cricket has grown into one of the sport’s fiercest contests, and Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy believes Sunday’s Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Vizag will add another exciting chapter. India might be feeling the pressure after their loss to South Africa, but Healy made it clear that Australia is not coming to play nice. “India and Australia play each other a lot these days, so the rivalry has really blossomed. We know how much India wants to beat Australia, and we're equally driven to dominate here. That contest has become fierce over the years,” she told JioStar.

Over the last few years, India Women and Australia Women have battled fiercely across formats. From Harmanpreet Kaur’s fireworks in the 2017 World Cup semifinal to India nearly pulling off a historic ODI series win last month, drama has always followed these encounters. India, however, enters this match a bit wounded, with repeated top-order collapses costing them momentum. Still, as Healy acknowledges, India at home is always a strong contender, especially when motivated to prove a point.

Despite Australia being seen as tournament favourites, Healy played down the tag while expressing confidence in her team. “It's news to me that people consider us favourites for this tournament. I think it should actually favour India to take the trophy at home. They're really comfortable in their own conditions and are in a great place to challenge us,” she said.

Healy Confident Ahead of High-Pressure Clash

Healy’s quiet confidence is rooted in experience, reminding herself and her team of Australia’s strong World Cup record, especially in India. “I was reminded before coming here that Australia has never lost a World Cup in India, so no pressure whatsoever! I have really fond memories of the 2013 World Cup, where I was a drinks runner at the Cricket Club of India,” she added.

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As the defending champions walk out at Vizag, it will be a high-stakes clash between two heavyweights: one aiming to retain its crown and the other desperate to claim it. The rivalry continues to intensify, promising a thrilling contest with sparks sure to fly on the field.