India put their dream on the line against Australia

In modern sport, it arguably doesn't get tougher than this. Australia are the team to beat in WODIs and have been it for a while. Since the start of the 2017 World Cup, their overall ODI record stands at an incredible 87 played, 78 won.

- 

Australia have won three of the last five World Cups. Their team has incredible depth in every department. They are the team everyone wants to beat. They are the team everyone wants to be.

‘So, when one comes up against a team like this, what should the thought process be? Do you spend the night agonising about their might or do you just brush aside your worries and revel in the opportunity to bring down a giant?

India have won just one of their last Il ODIs against Australia, but captain Harmanpreet Kaur will know that this is not a bridge too far. She will have fond memories of the last time they faced them in a World Cup semifinal in 2017.

Kaur struck a sparkling 171 not out from 115 balls, while Deepti Sharma chipped in with 3/59, as India won by 36 runs in Derby. How Navi Mumbai will hope fora repeat. But for that to happen, the hosts will need to focus on the cricket, and the cricket alone.

In pure statistical terms, India versus Australia isa mismatch. In 60 ODIs contested, Australia have won 49 and India Il;at the World Cups, Australia have won Il of the 14 played.