Shafali Verma of India during the Indian Net Session at dy Patil Stadium on October 29, 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India. (Photo: Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images) NEW DELHI: Hosts India will be looking for a spark of magic reminiscent of captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s legendary 171 against Australia in Derby eight years ago as they prepare for a sensational ICC Women’s World Cup semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.With a place in the final and a shot at history, India must summon something equally special against seven-time world champions Australia. However, the challenge only got worse with the injury to in-form winner Pratika Rawal, whose hundred against New Zealand reignited India’s campaign.
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Speaking to the press during Media Day on the eve of the blockbuster contest, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop said India must adopt a “next player” mentality to fill Rawal’s void and keep their faith alive.“It’s never easy questions to fill the void because Pratika looked great with that hundred in her last outing,” Bishop said when asked by TimesofIndia.com. “It’s a significant blow. But it has to be another player within the team. Whether they go with Shafali Verma, whose record against Australia isn’t great, or someone else, they can’t dwell on Pratika not being there. Someone has to step up and step up — it’s a World Cup semi-final and everything is on the line.”Bishop believes Shafali Verma, who was drafted late, can make a difference if she approaches the game with clarity and freedom.“It depends on the mindset,” he said. “Shafali has to look at it as a chance she didn’t expect. It’s the biggest stage outside of the final and she can’t afford to think about the pressure. Her mindset has to be that I have an opportunity to change my team and my country. If she stays relaxed and trusts her preparation, she can fill that void.”For Bishop, India’s best chance of stopping the Australian giants lies in keeping calm and fielding an attack strong enough to challenge their batting depth.“It’s not an easy task against a good team like Australia,” he admitted. “But they’re not invincible. India have to believe it’s just another game of cricket – not life or death. If they go relaxed but focused, that’s when the upset happens. I’d like India to field six bowlers to handle Australia’s batting depth. Let the batting take charge, but you need another bowling option.”Regarding India’s possible mix, Bishop was cautious but firm about the need for balance.“It’s a tricky call. I don’t know how you dropped Harleen Deol. If Richa Ghosh is fit, she has to come back. Maybe Harleen can open if they don’t go with Shafali. Radha Yadav bowled beautifully against Bangladesh, so it’s hard to drop her. For me, you can’t rely on semi-final specialists against a strong side like Australia.”Rain could also play a role in Navi Mumbai, where India’s last league match was lost. Asked which side might benefit from the suspension, Bishop offered a measured approach.“In the shortened game, timing matters,” he explained. “Australia have more power in their line-up – their strike rate shows that. So if the rain shortens the game and they chase, it can tilt slightly in their favour. But cricket is unpredictable – if India start well and put pressure on the score, the equation can turn.”
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Will India successfully fill the void left by Pratika Rawal’s injury?
For India, Smriti Mandhan’s form – 365 runs at 60.83 – remains their best hope, while Harmanpreet Kaur needs to rediscover her firepower to inspire another iconic performance. Australia, meanwhile, continues to epitomize precision and poise. With Alyssa Healy likely to return and in-form Beth Mooney, Ashleigh Gardner and Annabel Sutherland, the defending champions remain the benchmark for consistency.With the stage set under a looming Mumbai sky, Bishop’s closing message carried both realism and optimism: “Australia have the numbers and the momentum, but belief can bridge the gap. India must play as if they belong – calm, fearless and ready to seize the moment. One spark, one special innings – that’s all it takes to change everything.”(Catch India vs Australia at ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup India 2025, Thursday at 3:00 PM, LIVE on JioHotstar and Star Sports Network)
