India will play defending champion Australia in the second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday. Mithali Raj’s side has previously lost to the Southern Stars in the group stages by eight wickets but will be looking to shrug that off and start afresh at Derby – a ground they have enjoyed incredible success at, including a win over hosts and now finalists, England.

Before the crucial clash, here’s some number-crunching, from India’s incredible run at the World Cup so far to the immense task they face against Australia.

  • India are aiming to reach the final of a World Cup for only the second time, while Australia have lifted the trophy six times – the most by any team in history.
  • Australia have won seven out of their last eight ODIs against India.
  • India have won all four matches they have played at the County Ground in Derby – the venue of the semi-final, while Australia haven’t played there yet.
  • Meg Lanning averages 59.1 in eight ODI innings against India, which includes the unbeaten 76 that lead Australia to an eight-run win when the two teams played each other in the league stages.
  • Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is the second highest run-getter this tournament with 366 runs so far, followed by India’s captain Mithali Raj on 356 runs.
  • We all know that Mithali Raj is a stylish and prolific batter, but did you know that 177 of her runs came only through the drive? 
  • The top two bowling figures in this World Cup are by two Indians spinners – Rajeshwari Gayakwad’s 5/15 against New Zealand and Ekta Bisht’s 5/18 against Pakistan.
  • The top three bowlers on the list of highest dot balls bowled will all be playing in the semi-final – Australia’s spinners Ashleigh Gardner with 242 and Jess Jonassen with 233 along with Deepti Sharma with 229 balls. 
  • Australia wicketkeer-batter Alyssa Healy has the best strike rate among players who have played more than one match in the World Cup – a whopping 166.07.
  • Among the players who have received the Player of the Match awards, India’s Smriti Mandhana and Australia’s Ellyse Perry top the list with two each.