Eight years ago, a rainy Thursday in Derby demonstrated two things: first, that even during their most dominant run, Australia is not invincible, and second, what it takes to win. Since that humiliation caused by Harmanpreet Kaur, Australia has won all of the ODI World Cups, while India has lost all of the other 2025 semifinalists. However, history has a way of luring fate, and India would be attempting the impossible once more on what looks to be another bleak Thursday (October 30).
With an incredible 26-4 win-loss record (1 no-result) and just one loss to India in nine games across three series, Australia’s World Cup statistics speak for themselves. To observe how close India has come to questioning their invincibility in just this decade, zoom in. Australia doesn’t need a reminder that a brave India ended their historic 26-match winning streak, at home no less. Most recently, they suffered their largest defeat in ODI history at the hands of Smriti Mandhana’s batting. India has been called “sleeping giants” by Alyssa Healy, and with good reason.
However, all of those records, streaks, and tags become meaningless as World Cup knockouts approach.
As their name implies, the reigning champions haven’t exactly had an easy time. They appeared vulnerable after two tenacious victories and a washout before they paradoxically found their rhythm and captain Healy’s touch against India. With the strain and expectations only growing, it has been an emotional rollercoaster for the hosts. Their campaign was hanging by a thread until they found comfort in the suffering of New Zealand, on a familiar field, after their two consecutive victories were followed by three heartbreaking losses from winning positions, one each to the other semifinalists.
For the past ten days, India has had the advantage of actually and figuratively occupying the ground. Between WPL classics and Super Over thrillers in sold-out bilateral encounters, Australia is equally familiar with the site. It didn’t take long for India to transition to a new white-ball format at the location; they delivered an almost flawless performance to overcome their obstacles and guarantee a position in the semifinals. But since Pratika Rawal’s campaign ended prematurely due to a fluke injury two days later, they were no longer able to maintain that winning combination.
Another story that Shafali Verma remembered came to light with that turn of events. The Haryana opener, who paradoxically missed out on a home World Cup match because of Rawal’s reliability, is now at a crossroads in her quest for redemption and possibly for India as well.
Were you aware?
In ODIs, Ashleigh Gardner is presently ranked as the best all-around player, the second-best hitter, and the third-best bowler.
In the three World Cup matches, pacers have only taken 14 wickets at DY Patil, while slower bowlers have taken 22.
During this World Cup, Smriti Mandhana has struck the most fours (40) and sixes (8) for India.
