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An unbeaten Australia are under "no illusions" that the Women's ODI World Cup 2025 semifinal is going to be a cakewalk for them. Despite the absence of an in-form opener Pratika Rawal who got injured in the previous game, Australia's head coach Shelley Nitschke said that India have got enough depth in their side to challenge the defending champions.
“We expect a tough contest — there’s no doubt about that. It’s obviously really good conditions and there’s going to be, by all accounts, a massive crowd,” Nitschke told the media before Australia’s training session at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on October 29.
“I know that India have a really strong batting order. They throw everything at us so we certainly need to make sure that we’re ready for them and they bat with a lot of depth now too.
“We are certainly under no illusions as to the depth and the skill of that batting order and certainly the planning that goes into that is (about) making sure that we’re getting that right as well,” she added.
Nitschke does not see the absence of Rawal a relief. She is India's second-highest run-scorer in the tournament. However, she has belief that they will be able to tackle any opening combination India go for in the knockout clash.
“Relief? I know that they’ve got a lot of depth in their team. Obviously they’ve had a really good, strong opening partnership with Rawal and Smriti (Mandhana), so that changes things for them,” the former spinner said.
“I wouldn’t say it’s a relief, because we certainly know that whoever they put out there, they’ve got a lot of depth with their batting. We’re certainly going to have to be ready and be really well prepared for whatever opening combination that they put out.”
Shafali vs Australia
Shafali has had her share of knockout matches. She trained well and is ready to take on the Australian new-ball bowlers. She has had experience against Australia as well. From five ODIs, she has just one half-century. Also, the Australian bowlers have kept her relatively quiet as her strike against them is under 70.
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