Visakhapatnam, 12 October (H.S.): Australia's wicketkeeper-batter and captain Alyssa Healy has acknowledged India as a real threat in the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, praising the hosts for finding a robust ODI approach ahead of their crucial match in Visakhapatnam. Despite Australia's commanding 48-11 historical edge in women's one-day internationals against India, Healy credited the rise of the Indian team, calling them a sleeping giant emerging after the advent of the Women's Premier League, which has helped them uncover tremendous depth and a consistent playing style suited to the format.

Healy expressed that India’s home advantage and growing maturity make them formidable contenders, underscoring that the rivalry has been escalating steadily. She remains confident in Australia’s squad depth, noting how different players have stepped up in challenging matches so far in the tournament to secure victories.

Healy also highlighted the importance of the powerplay in setting a platform and the aggressive gameplay of herself and opening partner Phoebe Litchfield.The Australian skipper conceded that World Cup matches bring pressure and unfamiliar conditions, but she trusts her team will adapt and perform, emphasizing no extra pressure despite occasional batting collapses.

India’s team, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, has shown marked improvement but recently suffered a tough loss to South Africa, which further fires up the competition ahead of Sunday’s eagerly awaited contest.With all tickets sold out at Dr. YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, the match promises a riveting encounter as two of women's cricket’s strongest teams vie for supremacy on Indian soil.

The game stands as a testament to the growing stature of women's cricket globally and the flourishing India-Australia rivalry.This much-anticipated clash marks a high point in the tournament and is expected to draw huge viewership, spotlighting the talents of both teams and adding fresh chapters to their fierce contest at the 2025 Women’s World Cup.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar