Women's World Cup 2025: Why are players wearing black armbands in second semi-final clash?

Published - 30 Oct 2025, 16:43 IST | Updated - 30 Oct 2025, 16:43 IST

Australia and India players are wearing black armbands in the second semi-final of the Women's World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, October 30 as a token of respect for Australian teenage cricketer Ben Austin who tragically passed away after being struck by a ball in the nets.

The fatal mishap occurred on Tuesday evening at Walley Tew Reserve in Ferntree Gully. The 17-year-old is understood to been facing deliveries from an automatic bowling machine while wearing a helmet when he was hit by a delivery in the neck region. Despite receiving immediate medical attention and being rushed to Monash Children’s Hospital, he succumbed to his injuries.

Teenage cricketer passes away after being hit by ball

Speaking of the current match, Australia won the toss and opted to bat first. India made a couple of changes in the form of Harleen Deol and Uma Chetry going out for Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh. On the other hand, Sophie Molineux replaced Georgia Wareham in the Alyssa Healy-led unit. The victor of the ongoing clash will take on South Africa in the summit clash on Sunday, November 2 at the same venue.

Australia and India ended first and fourth on the points table, respectively. In the seven round-robin games, Australia won six and a match ended in no-result due to inclement weather. On the other hand, India accumulated seven points off as many matches. The Harmanpreet Kaur-led outfit lost won and lost three each. Their last group game was abandoned during the second innings due to rain.

Speaking of South Africa, they have already booked their spot in the final, attaining one of their most comprehensive victories in their campaign by registering a massive 125-run win against England in the first semi-final of the tournament at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, October 29. Skipper Laura Wolvaardt played a captain's knock and secured the POTM award for her 169 off 143.