Women's World Cup Live: India chase history against unbeaten Australia

Australia, as always, arrive as the epitome of excellence — armed with depth, skill, and an unshakeable winning mindset.

Alyssa Healy looks set to return after missing matches due to injury, while Beth Mooney continues to be their steady anchor. Though Phoebe Litchfield and Tahlia McGrath have struggled for form, Australia’s all-round depth remains unmatched.

Ashleigh Gardner, Annabel Sutherland, and Alana King have all produced game-changing performances across departments.

Whether challenged or cruising, Australia have shown the ability to respond with ruthless precision.

India will need to summon something extraordinary — perhaps a touch of Derby 2017 magic — to script another chapter of World Cup folklore.

Much will hinge on Smriti Mandhana, who has been the backbone of India’s campaign, amassing 365 runs at 60.83 with a century and two fifties.

She tops the batting charts and remains the team’s most consistent performer. Alongside her, India need match-defining performances from their middle order, which has shown flashes of brilliance but lacked sustained impact.

For India to overcome their toughest opponent, they will need their senior players to deliver under pressure.

As in 2017, Kaur’s leadership and Mandhana’s form could hold the key to unlocking Australia’s fortress-like consistency on the big stage.

Harleen Deol’s 169 runs in seven matches without a fifty may not scream fireworks, but her ability to anchor an innings could offer India the stability they crave.

The pitch, despite forecasts of unseasonal rain, remains a batting paradise where scoreboard pressure might be less effective.

Another tactical dilemma lies in choosing between left-arm spinner Radha Yadav, who impressed with her precision and athleticism against Bangladesh, and off-spinner Sneh Rana, who has struggled recently.

Captain Kaur, whose bat has been quiet this tournament, will look inward for inspiration from that unforgettable Derby night — as India once again stand a win away from history.

India’s campaign has been as taxing as it can be for a World Cup host, especially after three consecutive defeats that left them on the brink.

The team fought back bravely to secure a semifinal berth, but the injury to opener Pratika Rawal has left a big void.

The inclusion of big-hitting Shafali Verma, who wasn’t even among the reserves, has intensified the selection debate. Her partnership record with Smriti Mandhana — 893 runs in 25 innings — pales in comparison to Mandhana and Rawal’s prolific 1,799 in 23 innings.

The big question is whether to unleash Shafali’s aggression or promote Harleen Deol as a safer option to accommodate a sixth bowler.

Alive in the tournament by a touch of fortune, hosts India will search for a spark of magic reminiscent of skipper Harmanpreet Kaur's legendary knock eight years ago as they take on the mighty Australia in a blockbuster Women’s World Cup semifinal today.

Kaur's 171 not out off 115 balls at Derby in the 2017 semifinal remains a seminal moment that catapulted women’s cricket into mainstream recognition.

A victory over the seven-time world champions would not only ignite India’s campaign but also fuel belief that an elusive ICC crown is within reach.

For a team that has flirted with inconsistency, today's game offers India a golden chance to challenge one of the most dominant sides in world sport.