NEW DELHI: The Indian team produced a below-par fielding display against Australia in the semifinal of the ICC Women's World Cup, which proved costly as Australia piled up a massive 338 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Not just in the semifinal, India's fielding has been a major letdown throughout the tournament, exposing clear chinks in their armour and raising serious concerns about their overall preparedness for the showpiece event.

India have taken 35 catches but also dropped 18 - the most by any team in the competition. Their catching efficiency of 66% is the second-worst among all participating sides, highlighting a worrying inconsistency in the field.

The struggles don't end there. India have also missed three stumpings, the joint-most in the tournament, while registering a staggering 74 misfields, again the highest tally. Adding to their woes, they have conceded overthrows on six occasions, the most by any team so far.

The costly lapses could prove decisive in determining the outcome of matches, and India will need to seriously pull up their socks in the fielding department when facing a top-quality opponent like Australia.

Litchfield powers Australia

Talking about Australian innings, opener Phoebe Litchfield's scintillating 119 off 93 balls formed the cornerstone of defending champions Australia's massive 338 all out.

This is the highest total by any team in a Women's World Cup semi-final. surpassing South Africa's 319 against England in the first semi-final of the ongoing tournament.

Apart from Litchfield, Ellyse Perry (77 off 88 balls) played a good hand in a 155-run second wicket stand while Ashleigh Gardner's (63 off 45 balls) big hits put the Southern Stars in complete command after a shoddy bowling effort from India.