Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - In a stunning display of skill and determination, India defeated defending champions Australia in the semi-final of the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025. Jemimah Rodrigues's magnificent, unbeaten century propelled the hosts to a historic five-wicket victory, securing their place in the final against South Africa.
Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a formidable total of 338 all out in 49.5 overs. Phoebe Litchfield anchored the innings with a brilliant 119 off 93 balls, her maiden World Cup century. Ellyse Perry contributed a steady 77, while Ashleigh Gardner provided a late surge with a rapid 63 off 45 deliveries. Shree Charani, with 2/49, was the pick of the Indian bowlers, though Deepti Sharma also grabbed two wickets.
India's chase began nervously, with Shafali Verma falling early. Smriti Mandhana (49) and Jemimah Rodrigues then steadied the ship, building a crucial partnership. Rodrigues, who had been promoted to No. 3 after a first-ball dismissal in the opening match against Sri Lanka, seized the opportunity, playing a composed and aggressive innings.
The turning point arrived with a magnificent 154-run stand between Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Kaur's aggressive 89 off 88 balls kept India on track, before she was dismissed by a diving catch from Ashleigh Gardner. Despite the setback and the run out of Deepti Sharma, Rodrigues remained calm and continued to find the boundary.
Several dropped catches by the Australian fielders proved costly, adding to the pressure. Rodrigues was dropped three times, on 50, 83 and 106. Richa Ghosh injected further momentum with a quickfire 26, including a towering six. With the equation down to 23 off 18 balls, Ghosh was caught, but Amanjot Kaur joined Rodrigues to see India home.
Amanjot Kaur struck the winning runs off Sophie Molineux in the 49th over, sparking wild celebrations among the 35,000-strong crowd at the D.Y. Patil Stadium. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls, an innings studded with 14 boundaries. Her performance was not only a masterclass in run-chasing but also the highest score by an Indian in a Women's World Cup knockout match.
This victory marks the highest successful run chase in the history of Women's ODIs, surpassing the previous record. It also signifies India's third appearance in a Women's World Cup final. India's journey to the final was a rollercoaster, with early wins followed by three consecutive defeats before a must-win victory against New Zealand.
India will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday at the same venue. With both teams vying for their first World Cup title, a thrilling contest awaits. This win is not just a victory, it's a testament to the team's resilience, skill, and unwavering spirit.
