Indore, Oct 24 (UNI) In the grand spectacle of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, a titanic clash awaits at Holkar Stadium here tomorrow, as Australia Women face the resurgent South Africa Women.
And here’s the twist in the tale: the mercurial Alyssa Healy, Australia’s skipper and one of the linchpins of their unbeaten campaign, will sit out the match to keep her fresh for the semifinals.
Australia, the juggernauts of the tournament, have yet to taste defeat. Their recent demolition of England, won with six wickets and 57 balls to spare, was a masterclass in all-round excellence.
Annabel Sutherland starred with an unbeaten 98 and three wickets, while Ashleigh Gardner’s century stamped Australia’s authority. With the bowling spearheaded by Sutherland, Gardner, and Sophie Molineux, the Green and Gold juggernaut rolls on, even in the absence of Healy.
South Africa, after a shaky start, have hit their stride, riding a wave of five consecutive wins, including a thumping 150-run (DLS) victory over Pakistan.
Laura Wolvaardt’s 90 runs anchored the innings, with Marizanne Kapp and Nadine de Klerk delivering explosive contributions. The South African side, brimming with confidence and skill, is now a serious contender to challenge the world leaders.
The Holkar Stadium pitch promises a high-octane encounter, with a par score around 330. The weather, temperamental as ever, hints at intermittent showers and cool 15°C temperatures, ensuring that the game’s outcome could swing on fine margins. Toss strategies are likely to favour bowling first, allowing teams to counter any rain interruptions.
History and form indicate that Australia holds a slight edge in recent clashes, two wins to one in the last three matches, but South Africa’s surge makes them no mere pushovers. Australia remains the favourite, yet the allure of a South African upset hangs in the air like a taut wire, electrising fans.
Tomorrow’s match is more than a game; it is a foretaste of the final, a collision of power, skill, and will. Cricket enthusiasts will watch with bated breath, for women’s cricket has never been more compelling.
Predicted Playing XIs:
Australia Women – Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney (wk), Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath (c), Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Kim Garth, Megan Schutt
South Africa Women – Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Sune Luus, Annerie Dercksen, Marizanne Kapp, Karabo Meso (wk), Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Nondumiso Shangase, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Ayabonga Khaka
