Women's World Cup 2022: Inconsistent India face a stiff test against unstoppable Australia

Women's World Cup 2022: India, who were the last team to beat Australia in ODIs, will face Meg Lanning's mighty Australian side that is yet to lose a match in the ongoing tournament, on Saturday in Auckland.

Australia have been nearly unstoppable in ODI cricket. Since losing to India at the 2017 Women's World Cup semi-final, they have lost only two matches while winning 35. The last time Meg Lanning's girls lost an ODI was against India last year. The 6-time champions have made a statement of intent, winning all their 4 matches so far by convincing margins.

India face the task of stopping the Australian juggernaut once again, but Mithali Raj's side has been inconsistent so far at the World Cup, winning 2 and losing 2 in their four matches. India had lost a closely contested series in Australia last year and ended the hosts' 26-match winning streak.

In the preceding series against New Zealand, Indian bowlers struggled to find rhythm but in the World Cup, the batting performance has been inconsistent with the team sitting at two wins and as many losses after four games.

With three leagues games remaining, India must gain consistency in all departments and maintain their place in the top four to qualify for the semifinals.

"If I had an explanation (for batting inconsistency), I would have definitely discussed in the dressing room. In the NZ series, our batters did well, the last four matches (in WC) the batting has not clicked as a unit and it is something we need work on," said star opener Smriti Mandhana ahead of the Australia clash.

"I am confident tomorrow will be a perfect game for the batters. The bowlers are doing an amazing job for us, they need more support from batters."

Indian batters have come up with special individual performances but not fired as a group.