LIVE: India vs Australia – Women’s World Cup 2025 action
India’s openers have started with purpose in Visakhapatnam, building a solid foundation as the chase for a strong total unfolds. The morning session has showcased a patient approach, followed by calculated aggression when opportunities arose. Pratika Rawal’s boundary off Kim Garth and Smriti Mandhana’s stylish strike off a shorter delivery set the tone for a morning of high-intensity cricket.
Early momentum and key moments
As India moved to 105-0, Rawal reached a fluent 40s before a slick fielding effort almost produced a breakthrough for Australia. Tahila McGrath’s smart delivery drew a hard edge, but the ball fell safely and India continued to press. The probing Australian bowlers are yet to unlock the reliable opening pair, forcing India to stay on the front foot.
Radio commentary and expert analysis
BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra has provided brisk, insightful commentary from analysts on the ground. England all-rounder and commentator pitches in with observations about the pitch’s tame nature and India’s willingness to attack when the moment calls for it. The discussion also focuses on how the ball has been responding to the surface, with Amy King’s impact and the fielding prowess of Australia a recurring subplot.
Pitch and playing conditions
Commentators note a featherbed-like pitch that’s gradually becoming favorable to strokeplay for the batsmen. India’s openers have exploited width from Australia’s bowlers, with Mandhana cutting crisply and Rawal rotating the strike to keep the scoreboard ticking. As the innings progresses, the ball’s behaviour becomes critical for both sides’ plans, with spinners from Australia trying to create grip and dot balls to dry up the run flow.
India’s batting: partnerships and boundaries
India’s opening pair have looked at home against spin and pace alike, with Mandhana capitalizing on width to strike two fearless fours. A notable moment comes when Mandhana’s aggressive approach cleanly dispatches a ball outside off-stump, reinforcing India’s intent to put the pressure on Australia’s bowlers from the outset. Rawal’s ability to find the boundary through mid-wicket underlines the depth in India’s top order.
Key chances and fielding pressure
A pivotal moment occurred when Australia nearly pried out a breakthrough. A sharp chance off Rawal’s edge off a Sutherland bouncer drew a loud cheers from the crowd, only for the ball to elude the grasp at the last moment. The fielding effort, combined with alert running between the wickets, highlights the contest’s intensity and the fine margins that separate success from failure in a big tournament clash.
Team dynamics and fan support
Visakhapatnam’s stands carry the energy of a tournament where individual stars now attract a following across both teams. Replica shirts bearing Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur’s names signal the growing popularity of India’s cricketing heroes beyond the men’s game. Australia’s visible team bond is evident, but a lack of breakthroughs in this stage is putting pressure on their bowlers to conjure a wicket-laden spell.
What to watch for next
As the innings progresses, India will aim to push the tempo and build a formidable tally with a public-relations-friendly performance for fans listening on radio and watching online. Australia will need to adjust lengths, find some purchase on the pitch, and execute key fielding moments to stem the flow of boundaries and gain breakthroughs that can shift momentum in their favor.
Final thought
With India’s openers providing a steady foundation and Australia searching for answers, this match promises more drama as the World Cup 2025 Group stage unfolds. Stay tuned for live updates, expert analysis, and the latest highlights as the chase evolves and the competition heats up.
