Alyssa Healy’s fitness has become a decisive factor as Australia gear up to face South Africa in the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025 top-of-the-table encounter in Indore. The defending champions are hopeful that their captain, wicketkeeper, and opener will recover in time for Saturday’s big match.
The 35-year-old star sustained a calf injury during a training session ahead of the England game. In her absence, Tahlia McGrath stepped up to lead the team, steering the seven-time champions to an emphatic win over their arch-rivals.
South Africa, on the other hand, have emerged as serious title contenders. After a disastrous start against England, they bounced back with five straight wins. Their impressive form has made the match against Australia a key test for both teams.
Healy’s return is vital not just for leadership but also for her batting. She smashed consecutive centuries against India and Bangladesh, placing her third among the tournament’s top scorers behind Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal, despite missing two matches.
Australia’s Batting Strength Remains Intact
Australia made tactical changes when Healy was unavailable. Yet, they dominated the contest against England. Annabel Sutherland and Ashleigh Gardner put together a sensational 180-run partnership, sealing a comfortable win and proving their batting depth.
The Southern Stars have shown time and again why they’re considered the strongest side. Even after early setbacks against England — losing Phoebe Litchfield, Georgia Voll, Ellyse Perry, and Beth Mooney cheaply — they recovered to post a commanding total. Sutherland remained unbeaten on 98, while Gardner scored a brilliant 104*.
This kind of depth makes Australia a tough opponent for any side. Their combination of a powerful batting order and varied bowling attack gives them a decisive edge.
South Africa Banking on Kapp and Top Order
Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa’s skipper, knows the task ahead. She will depend heavily on pace ace Marizanne Kapp to deliver a game-defining performance. Kapp has been exceptional so far, taking six wickets and scoring two half-centuries.
However, the top order will need to stand up. Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, and Sune Luus are expected to anchor the innings and set the tone. Unlike Australia, South Africa lack deep batting options, making a solid start crucial.
Their recovery since the opening loss has been impressive, but facing Australia is a different challenge. This game gives the Proteas a chance to assess themselves against the tournament favorites before the knockouts.
Teams Look to Gain Momentum Before Knockouts
For both sides, the Indore clash is more than just a group-stage match. Australia will look to maintain their unbeaten streak, while South Africa aim to make a statement by challenging the defending champions.
Probable XIs
Australia: Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Heather Graham, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Voll, Georgia Wareham.
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloe Tryon.
Stay tuned for all the latest Sports News, follow SportsNewsTime on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram