In one of the most thrilling matches in Women’s World Cup history, India pulled off a stunning five-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final of the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Chasing a mammoth 339, India’s women scripted the highest successful chase ever in women’s ODIs, powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s commanding 89.
Australia, batting first, had set a formidable total of 338. Their innings was anchored by Phoebe Litchfield’s sublime 119, well supported by Ashleigh Gardner’s quickfire 66 and Ellyse Perry’s fluent 58. The defending champions looked in total control as they capitalized on India’s early bowling errors and loose fielding to post what seemed an insurmountable total. When the Australians crossed 330, few believed India could chase it down — but the night had a different story written.
India’s chase began cautiously. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma provided a steady start before Mandhana fell for 34. Shafali followed soon after, leaving India at 72 for 2. The early wickets brought Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues together, and what followed was one of the greatest partnerships in Indian women’s cricket history.
Jemimah played the innings of her life — blending composure with audacity. Her strokeplay was pure class, as she found gaps effortlessly and punished anything loose. Harmanpreet, ever the big-match player, played a captain’s knock with a blend of aggression and calmness. Their 167-run partnership changed the momentum completely, draining confidence from the Australian bowlers who had looked in charge earlier.
Even after Harmanpreet fell for 89, Jemimah held her ground and continued the chase with Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh providing support. The required rate climbed to nearly nine an over at one point, but Rodrigues’ calculated aggression and fearless strokeplay ensured India stayed ahead of the game. When India finally reached 339/5 with seven balls to spare, the stadium erupted in disbelief and joy — this was not just a win, it was a statement.
This victory was symbolic on many levels. For India, it marked redemption after previous heartbreaks in knockout matches against Australia. It showcased a young, fearless lineup capable of chasing down record totals and handling immense pressure on the world stage. Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 was her career-best and will go down as one of the most memorable innings in women’s cricket history — a performance of maturity, timing, and courage.
Australia, meanwhile, were left stunned. Their bowling lacked the edge needed to defend a big total, and their fielding let them down at crucial stages. Dropped catches of Rodrigues and misfields in the death overs added to their woes. For a side known for its consistency and dominance in World Cups, this defeat exposed cracks in handling pressure situations.
India’s win now sets up a mouth-watering final clash against South Africa. More importantly, it signals a new era for Indian women’s cricket — one where the team is no longer playing catch-up but setting the pace. With belief, balance, and brilliance on their side, India’s women have announced themselves as genuine world champions in the making.
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