Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - In a stunning display of skill and resilience, the Indian women's cricket team defeated Australia in a thrilling semi-final of the ICC Women's World Cup 2025. The victory, achieved through the highest-ever run chase in Women's ODI history, propelled India into the final, where they will face South Africa. The atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai was electric as India chased down a mammoth target of 339 runs, finishing at 341/5 with nine balls to spare.
The hero of the hour was undoubtedly Jemimah Rodrigues, who played a magnificent, unbeaten innings of 127 off 134 balls. Her performance was not only a personal best but also a crucial factor in India's victory. Rodrigues's innings included 14 boundaries and was marked by composure and determination. After the winning runs were scored, Rodrigues was overcome with emotion, shedding tears of joy and gratitude.
"Firstly, I want to thank Jesus, because I couldn't do this on my own," Rodrigues said in a post-match interview, "I know he carried me through today". Visibly moved, she added, "God will fight for me". Her emotional reaction reflected the immense pressure and significance of the match, as well as her deep faith.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur also played a pivotal role, scoring a brilliant 89 off 88 balls. Together, Kaur and Rodrigues forged a remarkable 167-run partnership for the third wicket, which shifted the momentum decisively in India's favor. This partnership became the highest ever for India Women in World Cup knockouts, surpassing the 137-run stand between Kaur and Deepti Sharma in the 2017 semi-final. Kaur, too, was emotional after the win, shedding tears of joy and hugging members of the support staff.
The match was not without its tense moments. Rodrigues had a reprieve when she top-edged a slog sweep on 82, and Australian captain Alyssa Healy dropped a catch. Later, Tahlia McGrath dropped another catch in the 44th over. These missed opportunities proved costly for Australia, as Rodrigues capitalized on her second chances to guide India to victory.
Amanjot Kaur ultimately hit the winning runs, sending the Indian dugout into a frenzy. The entire team rushed onto the field to celebrate the historic win. Smriti Mandhana was the first to reach Rodrigues, embracing her teammate in a heartfelt moment.
India's triumph marked the end of Australia's 15-match unbeaten streak in the World Cup, a run that stretched back to 2017. It was also the first time any team, men's or women's, has chased a 300-plus total in an ODI World Cup knockout match. The previous best chase was 298 by New Zealand against South Africa in the 2015 men's semi-final.
With this victory, India has qualified for the ICC Women's World Cup final for the third time, having finished as runners-up in 2005 and 2017. They will now face South Africa in the final on November 2nd at the same venue, with the hopes of finally claiming their maiden World Cup title. Former India captain Mithali Raj believes that India has the potential to beat South Africa and lift the trophy.
