### Australia Wins Toss and Opts to Bat First in Women's World Cup Semifinal Against India The second semifinal of the 2025 ICC Women's ODI World Cup is underway at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, where Australia has won the toss and elected to bat first against India. Australian captain Alyssa Healy, returning from injury, expressed confidence in the batting conditions, stating that her team aims to set a strong score. Australia made two changes to their lineup, bringing in Sophie Molineux for Georgia Wareham and welcoming back Healy after her calf injury. India, on the other hand, has included Shafali Verma in place of the injured Pratika Rawal, while Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud have also been added to the squad, replacing Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry, who have been rested. The match is expected to draw a large crowd, with Indian skipper Harmanpreet Kaur emphasizing a "fearless mindset" as they face the defending champions [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/ind_w_vs_aus_w_womens_wc_2nd_sf_australia_won_the_toss_shafali_verma_in_for_rawal/s1_17726_42986164][https://www.republicworld.com/cricket/mitchell-starc-turns-up-in-navi-mumbai-to-support-alyssa-healy-australia-w-in-womens-world-cup-semifinal-clash-vs-india-w]. ### Match Overview and Key Changes 1. **Toss Outcome**: Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. 2. **Team Changes**: - **Australia**: - Alyssa Healy returns from injury. - Sophie Molineux replaces Georgia Wareham. - **India**: - Shafali Verma replaces the injured Pratika Rawal. - Richa Ghosh and Kranti Gaud come in for Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry. 3. **Match Context**: This semifinal is crucial as the winner will face South Africa in the final, following their victory over England in the first knockout match [https://24newshd.tv/30-Oct-2025/healy-returns-australia-bat-india-world-cup-semis][https://thenewsmill.com/2025/10/australia-opts-to-bat-first-against-india-in-world-cup-semi-final-shafali-verma-returns-for-injured-pratika-rawal]. ### Performance Insights and Historical Context - **Australia's Form**: The Australian team is unbeaten in the tournament, with six wins and one washout, making them the favorites for this match. They have a strong historical performance in World Cups, aiming for their eighth title [https://www.socialnews.xyz/2025/10/30/womens-world-cup-healy-back-as-australia-elect-to-bat-india-bring-in-shafali-richa][https://www.thederrick.com/ap/sports/australia-wins-toss-and-batting-first-against-india-in-womens-cricket-world-cup-semi/article_6f4595c6-74cf-5136-a9c7-f5a05dab72d3.html]. - **India's Strategy**: Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur has highlighted a fearless approach, which will be essential against a formidable Australian side. The inclusion of Shafali Verma is seen as a strategic move to bolster the batting lineup [https://www.cricketnmore.com/cricket-news/womens-world-cup-healy-back-as-australia-elect-to-bat-india-bring-in-shafali-richa-180800][https://www.sportsyaari.com/cricket/indias-unbelievable-toss-curse-continues-at-icc-womens-world-cup-6844]. ### Conclusion and Expectations In summary, the second semifinal of the Women's World Cup is set to be a thrilling encounter as Australia, led by a returning Alyssa Healy, aims to maintain their unbeaten streak against a determined Indian side. The match's outcome will not only determine who advances to the final but also showcase the evolving dynamics of women's cricket on a global stage. 1. **Australia's Strategy**: Batting first to set a challenging target. 2. **India's Response**: Adopting a fearless mindset with strategic player changes. 3. **Historical Significance**: Aiming for a record eighth title for Australia and a chance for India to break their runner-up streak. The match promises to be a showcase of talent and competitive spirit, with both teams eager to secure their place in the final [https://m.sakshipost.com/news/womens-world-cup-healy-back-australia-elect-bat-india-bring-shafali-richa-469884][https://www.thedailyjagran.com/cricket/ind-a-vs-aus-a-australia-win-toss-elect-to-bat-first-against-india-shafali-verma-comes-in-for-pratika-rawal-10276732].