The upcoming semi-final clash at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai promises to be a blockbuster India against Australia, the defending champions, at the ICC Women's World Cup 2025.
After South Africa sealed an unprecedented final berth with a dominating win against England in Guwahati, the spotlight turns to Mumbai where, in addition to the cricket, unpredictability in weather could also be the talk of the town. The victory of South Africa was highlighted by a century from Laura Wolvaardt and an all-round performance from Marizanne Kapp, thus setting the stage for the India vs Australia high-stakes game.
Harmanpreet Kaur-led India have displayed grit throughout the tournament as they have after a few setbacks managed to regain their position in the race. However, before going against Alyssa Healy’s Australia, there is yet another hurdle: the ominous threat of rain. Weather forecasts indicate that there will be light showers in the morning in Navi Mumbai and the sky will be covered with clouds for most of the day. The sun might come out in the afternoon; however, there could still be some light showers during the day.
Weather could tip the balance in Navi Mumbai for ICC Women’s World Cup 2025
AccuWeather states that the temperature is most likely to be between 25°C and 32°C. There would be 60% humidity and a slight breeze from the sea. The pitch conditions might initially help the bowlers who are bowling with the seam but later it will be a batting-friendly surface under the lights. Nevertheless, rain suspension even for a short time at the DY Patil Stadium, where a lot of runs are scored, can very quickly change the throw of the high-stake match quite sharply.
Weather interruptions, particularly due to rain, have been a serious issue that has affected the tournament heavily, and several matches, especially in Sri Lanka, have been cut short. The Indian team was also hit hard by bad weather in their last league match against New Zealand at the same venue, when the number of overs was reduced, and the DLS method came into play. The ground staff and spectators will definitely be asking for the game to go on without any stop on Thursday.
If persistent showers prevent play, a reserve day is fixed for October 31, to allow the semi-final to continue. However, if the weather is still bad at that time, Australia will move to the final by the higher position on the points table, without India having bowled a ball.
As the clouds are gathering over Navi Mumbai, what is definite is that the entire world will be looking. Indisputably, it will be either the shouts of the cheering crowd or the sound of the thunder that will be heard during the evening. India's semi-final against Australia is certain to be packed with excitement and suspense both on and off the field.
