India vs Australia LIVE: Women’s World Cup 2025 – Weathering the early onslaught
In a closely watched clash from the Women’s World Cup 2025, India’s openers have set a fast tempo, racing to 105-0 as Pratika Rawal and Smriti Mandhana look to build a commanding platform. The proceedings are being followed closely on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra, with expert commentators weaving in insights from the Vizag ground and a growing chorus of fans in the stands.
India, batting first, started with intent. Pratika Rawal unfurled a stylish drive and followed up with a big slog off Kim Garth that raced to the cow corner for four. A couple of balls later, Mandhana answered with a shorter delivery dispatched to the boundary, a sign that India are not here to merely survive the powerplay but to pressure the Australian bowlers from the outset.
As the over-by-over narrative unfolds, Australia’s bowlers have found it tough to unleash anything consistent. The pitch, described by commentators as tame, is offering little for the seamers, and even the spinners are being kept on their toes by India’s confident strokeplay. The BBC team notes the early touch of aggression that India is bringing to the table, a stark contrast to what might be expected on such a surface.
Key moments and radio commentary
Broadcasting live, the radio team describes brief glimpses of India’s plan: milk the singles at the start of overs, strike when there’s a half-chance, and back the boundary when a scoring opportunity presents itself. As Pratika Rawal looks in fine touch, the on-air voices remind listeners of the importance of maintaining pressure on Australia’s bowlers, with Smriti Mandhana’s crisp cuts and drives threatening to break the game open at any moment.
Several fielding chances add drama to the early stage of the chase. A missed opportunity as Rawal was dropped on 41—an error that Australia would dearly regret if it proves costly. The Australian fielders, led by a nervous but watchful Alyssa Healy behind the stumps, are trying to stem the tide through tight lines and smart field adjustments, but India’s openers are not giving them an easy ride.
Momentum shifts and in-match tension
The match has seen a lively exchange between bat and ball. India’s approach—taking advantage of any width and playing with intent—has yielded a steady stream of boundaries. Mandhana has shown particular fluency, with several crisp cuts and drives punctuating the over after over, while Rawal has been unafraid to take on the faster deliveries with decisive shots through mid-wicket and cover.
Australia, meanwhile, are scanning for a breakthrough, hoping a switch in pace or a key miscue from India could turn the tide. The commentary captures a sense of the crowd’s evolving mood as India’s advantage grows; the pitch’s tame nature continues to offer hope for a late burst from the Australian bowlers if they can find that right line and length.
Why this game matters
With both teams eyeing a strong start to the Women’s World Cup 2025, every over matters. India’s early acceleration offers a blueprint for success on this surface, while Australia will want to tighten their lines and keep a lid on the proceedings. The opening stand—now approaching a substantial score—puts India in the ascendancy, setting a demanding chase for Australia if they are to stay competitive in the group stages.
What to watch next
As the match progresses, the key conversations will revolve around how India’s padding technique against spin shapes up and whether Australia can unlock a longer partnership with the bat. Radio commentators will continue to relay every boundary and miscue, ensuring fans close to home and around the world stay in the loop with live updates, highlight moments, and expert analysis.
