Radha Yadav Performance: India’s Spin Ace Ready for Australia Semi-Final

Radha Yadav is very much alive in the Women’s World Cup selection scheme — and her brilliant outing against Bangladesh has reignited the debate: should she play the high-pressure semi-final against Australia?

India have relied heavily on their spinners throughout the tournament. Deepti Sharma, Shree Charani, and others have consistently maintained a stronghold with the ball. However, the surprising part of India’s campaign was Radha Yadav waiting on the bench for the first six matches despite being one of the most reliable left-arm spinners in the country.

When she finally got her chance in the group match against Bangladesh — a game with minimal stakes in terms of qualification — Radha showed exactly why she remains indispensable. Emotionally charged and determined to make the opportunity count, she delivered a memorable bowling performance that restored her candidacy for the knockout match.

From the moment she took the ball, she appeared confident and accurate. Her first breakthrough came when she dismissed Sobhana Mostary, who looked set to take the game deep. Radha continued dismantling Bangladesh’s middle order by sending Rabeya Khan and Nahida Akter back to the pavilion. Her spell of 6 overs, 30 runs, and 3 wickets proved not just effective but decisive in controlling Bangladesh’s scoring momentum. She even came close to a fourth wicket — the initial LBW decision against Nishita Akter Nishi was overturned on review.

But Radha didn’t stop with the ball. Her exceptional athleticism once again stole the spotlight. Known as one of India’s fittest and quickest fielders, she executed a sharp direct-hit run-out to dismiss Nigar Sultana Joty — a moment that electrified both the audience and her teammates.

Adding further value to the squad, Radha is also capable of contributing with the bat, making her a flexible and impactful option in India’s lineup.

Looking ahead to the semi-final in Navi Mumbai, India's previous match against Australia highlighted the need for a sixth bowling option — especially on batting-friendly surfaces. India posted 331 but still faced challenges containing the Aussies. Radha’s absence was widely criticized after that game.

Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur hinted post-match that Radha is being seriously considered for the knockout, stating, “The way Radha bowled today gives us another option for the next game.”

With multiple right-handers in Australia’s top order, Radha’s left-arm spin could be the tactical advantage India require to reach the final. Her latest performance has given the selectors a crucial and welcome decision to make.