We find ourselves in another Unpredictable situation (and possibly destined) to arrive at this juncture for the second time. The 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is an almost perfect replica of the 2017 competition in terms of teams: the same four semi-finalists (Australia vs India & England vs South Africa), but with a difference in locations and the magnitude of the competition. However, the rivalry, the tension, and the storylines are as similar today as they were back then.
The Inevitable Australians — and the Illusion of Invincibility
See-saw, six wins, no losses – it sounds like an old Australian script. The champions have gone through the group stage like an old-time orchestra, every player in perfect harmony. Alyssa Healy was quickly on the go, Meg Lanning giving the occasion the great dignity of her calm control, Ashleigh Gardner covered the field with all the art of an all-rounder, again making them the cricket team of the day.
Yet history provides a reminder of caution. In 2017, India shocked the same Australian team in the semi-final courtesy of a genius performance by Harmanpreet Kaur, which was nothing short of absurd. Australia’s dominance makes them look like there is no breakable them.
India’s Dual Personality — Brilliance Meets Inconsistency
India would make for an intelligent movie character who sometimes fails to remember his lines. Smriti Mandhana and Harmanpreet Kaur continue to lead India’s batting with confidence; however, there is a degree of uncertainty surrounding their middle order. The bowling, on the other hand, has shown greater discipline. This is largely due to Renuka Singh’s consistent swing and Deepti Sharma’s ability to bowl tightly and keep India competitive throughout each game.
England vs South Africa — A Clash of Resilience and Redemption
The second semi-final is a lot about hard work and more about determination. England’s run in the tournament so far has been about the strength of their will — losing early, regrouping, and working to get back into the hunt. Heather Knight has shown great leadership; Nat Sciver-Brunt has also been a reliable force with her batting and bowling.
While South Africa has now become a team that will no longer collapse when put under pressure, thanks to the calmness of Laura Wolvaardt and the competitive spirit of Marizanne Kapp, this has given them a spine that can be as strong as or stronger than the English teams, with all their years of experience.
When the Sky Becomes the Decider
There is something poetic, if slightly cruel, about a competition that is so hotly contested that the possible twist is the weather. The ICC’s ruling that a no-result takes the higher-ranked team through may be reasonable, but it has the unfortunate tendency to deprive the competition of its fairness. Imagine South Africa’s campaign being ruined by rain, India denied their redemption by clouds, cricket vacillates, as always, between sport and luck. But it is this uncertainty which keeps the World Cup alive: the great teams prepare for skill, the great champions for detritus. The team that will get the trophy on November 2 at Navi Mumbai will, of course, not be the best, but the most movable.
As we approach the semi-finals, there is one thing of which we can be certain: history repeats itself, but it does not repeat itself in the same way. Australia is irresistible, but it was irresistible in 2017. India is explosive, but its powers can destroy us on suitable occasions. England can win ugly, but South Africa can tell of heartbreak.
What lies ahead is not a matter of contest between hare and hounds but of timing, temperament, and a little bit of luck. Whether it be sun or rain, noise or nerve, cricket’s greatest drama is enacted on slight margins.
Key Takeaway:
In this Women’s World Cup, the rain may fall from the sky — but the pressure will pour from within.
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