The much-anticipated Women's World Cup 2025 semifinal with India taking on Australia began today at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The match commenced on an emotional note as both teams and match officials wore black armbands in memory of Ben Austin, a 17-year-old boy who tragically passed away earlier today after being hit by a cricket ball during a practice session in Melbourne. The young cricketer was taken to the hospital on Tuesday and put on life support before he finally died from his injuries. This tribute shows how close-knit the cricket community is emotionally by touching both sides. Australia won the toss and batted first. Both teams are wearing black armbands today to pay their respects to 17-year-old Melbourne cricketer Ben Austin, who sadly passed away following an accident while batting in the nets on Tuesday night.#TeamIndia | #WomenInBlue | #CWC25 | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/Qhn1B2DmsF — BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 30, 2025 Also Read | What Happens if IND-W vs AUS-W World Cup 2025 Semi-Final Gets Washed Out? Australia Won the Toss and opted to Bat Alyssa Healy chose to bat first after winning the toss in the highly-pressured semifinal this morning. The Australian captain, who made a return from an injury layoff, will be buoying the Australian side, while Indian hopes suffered a setback after Pratika Rawal was ruled out due to injury. India made two changes, leaving out Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana, and bringing in Shafali Verma to add more balance at the top. Speaking at the toss, Healy said, "Great conditions here and an opportunity for us to put runs on the board. It's a semifinal, and whoever plays better will get the result." Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian skipper who has now lost nine of her last ten tosses, says: "We were looking to bat first. If we get early breakthroughs, that would be great for us. We know this pitch well; we've had many camps and games here. Against Australia, we always focus on playing with a fearless mindset." Also Read | Rishabh Pant wears Kohli’s No.18 on India A comeback Early Drama as Rain Interrupts Play Australia had a steady beginning. India found an opening in Kranti Gaud's bowling shortly after and castled the skipper with a brilliant delivery. Score stood at 34-1 in six overs. The short rain interruption halted play, and the game resumed. Currently, Australia is at 56-1 with Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry busy at the crease to build a strong partnership for the defending champions. Both teams will be focused on taking control as the game progresses, with the winner advancing to the final on November 2.