In a historic semi-final clash at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, Team India scripted a sensational win over defending champions Australia to book their place in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final. Chasing a mammoth 338-run target, India pulled off the biggest run chase in Women’s ODI history, winning by five wickets with nine balls to spare.
Rodrigues Shines Bright in Record Chase
Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls. Returning to the XI after being dropped earlier in the tournament, the Mumbai-born right-hander displayed remarkable composure and stroke play. Her knock included crucial boundaries under pressure and a match-winning partnership that defined India’s chase.
Harmanpreet’s Leadership and Crucial Stand
Rodrigues found a reliable partner in captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed a commanding 89 runs. Together, the duo built a decisive 167-run partnership for the third wicket, keeping the required run rate in control. Their partnership steadied India after early dismissals of Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24), both falling to Kim Garth’s disciplined bowling.
Australia’s Missed Chances Prove Costly
Australia’s fielding lapses turned out to be game-changing. Alyssa Healy dropped Rodrigues on 82, and Tahlia McGrath put down another catch when she was on 106. Those errors allowed India to stay ahead in a tense chase. Australia also suffered a batting collapse late in their innings, losing 4 wickets for just 7 runs to finish on 338 all out.
Australian Innings: Litchfield and Perry Lay the Foundation
Batting first, Australia posted a formidable total thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s classy 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. The pair shared a 155-run partnership for the second wicket, steering Australia into a strong position. Ashleigh Gardner added a quickfire 63 off 45 balls, but her late run-out halted Australia’s momentum in the death overs.
India Hold Nerve Under Pressure
With 48 runs needed from the last six overs, India remained calm. Rodrigues, along with Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and *Amanjot Kaur (15 off 8)**, guided the team home in style. The composed finish reflected India’s newfound confidence and depth across their batting lineup
Also Read:India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final: Clash of Titans in Navi Mumbai
A Historic Moment for Indian Women’s Cricket
This victory marks one of the greatest moments in Indian women’s cricket, not only for breaking Australia’s World Cup dominance but also for showcasing India’s evolution as a complete team. It also ends Australia’s unbeaten World Cup streak since 2017.
What’s Next
India will now face South Africa in the final, with both teams eyeing their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title. For India, the focus will be on maintaining their fearless approach, while Australia head home to regroup ahead of the upcoming WBBL season.
Key Takeaways
- India chased 338 — the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history.
- Jemimah Rodrigues scored 127 off 134 balls* and was named Player of the Match.
- 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur (89) anchored India’s chase.
- Australia’s dropped catches proved costly.
- 🇮🇳 India will face South Africa in the Women’s World Cup Final 2025.
