If Harmanpreet Kaur’s young side can learn to edge the crunch moments in tight games, they could be a significant threat to Australia’s dominance.
“India can certainly beat them,” said England all-rounder Georgia Elwiss on BBC Test Match Special.
“They have done so well against Australia in recent times. They had moments where they really had Australia in trouble in the Commonwealth Games final but they just weren’t able to get a strong enough grip of the game.
“They will know they are not far away, it is just the key moments they need to win and they can definitely get over the line.”
India have a young side, boosted by 19-year-olds Shafali Verma and Ghosh, while 22-year-old Jemimah Rodrigues and 26-year-old Smriti Mandhana hold the batting line-up together.
They also boast one of the tournament’s in-form bowlers in Renuka Singh Thakur, whose in-swing tore through England’s top order with a stunning 5-15, and also had Australia in tatters with 4-18 during the Commonwealth Games.
But Australia’s golden generation has world-class stars from 1-11 – amplified by destructive all-rounder Tahlia McGrath batting at number seven in their opening game against New Zealand.
“They are an unstoppable train,” said BBC Test Match Special commentator Henry Moeran.
“They are so dominant in so many areas. It’s a relentless stream of some of the best players in the world.”
Their magnificence is down to the investment in the professional domestic set-up they implemented years before England and the success of the Women’s Big Bash League, their T20 franchise competition.
“What’s impressive is the way they take the drama away from games, they always just look in complete control,” added Hartley.
“They are calm, they have the freedom of being able to go out and express themselves knowing they have a batter coming in next who is equally as good and if not better. It is scary how good they are.”
The conditions at the grounds so far may be something India could benefit from, with slow pitches and spinners dominating – but make no mistake, Australia will be more than prepared.
“They’re an incredible side. They’ve got some match-winners and world-class players and it’s going to be a cracking game, and we can’t wait,” said Australia captain Meg Lanning.
“They’ve shown that they’re not relying on one or two players, they’ve got some great depth as well. So, for us as a team, we’ve had to prepare for all their players.
“We know they’re strong, and that sort of just makes the challenge even greater and something we look forward to.”
Neither team has quite been at their best yet, with India squandering a promising position against England, and while Australia are unbeaten, their top order has been inconsistent and their chases of low totals have not been in their usual free-flowing style.
But if both can find their form at the right time, this semi-final could prove to be one for the ages.