Confident India eager to upset Aussies in WC semis MITHALI RECKONS INDIA HAVE ‘HOME ADVANTAGE’

Derby, July 19: The odds are stacked heavily against them but a confident India will aim to turn the tables when they take on six-time champions Australia in the second semi- final of the ICC Women’s World Cup, here on Thursday

India have a poor record against Australia, having lost 34 out of 42 games the two teams have played so far.

But come Thursday, the Mithali Raj-led Indian team will be aiming to end the losing streak against Australia.

A win on the day will ensure India’s entry into the summit clash at Lord’s only for the second time in the history of the tournament.

India played the final of the World Cup the last time in the 2005 edition in South Africa, where they lost to Australia.

While India have finished the round-robin stage in the third spot with five wins and two losses, Australia have finished second with six wins out of seven games.

The match will be played at The County Ground On STAR SPORTS 1 & HD

here, a ground boasting plenty of familiarity for India having played four of its group games here that included its last must-win clash against New Zealand to reach the semi-finals.

Australia, on the other hand, are yet to play at the ground — though they have have continued to impress.

The match will also provide the Indians a chance to avenge their morale-shattering eight-wicket loss to Australia in the roundrobin stage just a week ago in Bristol. But it would be easier said than done. —PTI Derby, July 19: It will be nothing short of exceptional if India upstage Australia, feels captain Mithali Raj, who reckons her team will have the “home advantage” in the semifinal here on Thursday. “We’ve played a lot of the group stage here, four games, so we are aware of the conditions and that is our advantage,” she said . “But Australia is a very good side. They won the last edition of this tournament and they have a lot of players who have played in high-pressure games,” she added. ‘ — PTI