Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - In a breathtaking display of skill and determination, the Indian women's cricket team defeated defending champions Australia in a Women's World Cup semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium. India chased down a target of 339, the highest ever in Women's ODI history, securing their spot in the final for the third time. They will now face South Africa in the final.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat, posting a formidable total of 338. Phoebe Litchfield scored a brilliant 119, supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). Shree Charani took 2 wickets for 49 runs.
India's chase began shakily, with Shafali Verma falling early. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings, building a 46-run partnership before Mandhana was dismissed for 49. Rodrigues then forged a crucial 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored a blistering 89 off 88 balls.
Jemimah Rodrigues remained the linchpin of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls. She was dropped three times during her innings. Amanjot Kaur ultimately hit the winning runs, securing a five-wicket victory with nine balls to spare.
Records Broken:
- Highest Successful Chase in Women's ODI History: India's 339 surpassed the previous record of 331, which was set by Australia against India earlier in the same World Cup.
- Highest Successful Chase in a World Cup Knockout Match: This was the first time a team had successfully chased a 300+ score in a Women's World Cup knockout match.
- Highest Partnership for India in Women's World Cup Knockouts: Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues' 167-run partnership exceeded the previous record of 137 runs.
- Second Batter to score a Century in a Women’s World Cup Knockout Chase: Jemimah Rodrigues became the second woman to achieve this feat, following Nat Sciver-Brunt's 148* in the 2022 final.
- India's 12th Win Over Australia: This was only India's 12th win over Australia in 61 matches.
The victory was particularly sweet for India, who had lost to Australia earlier in the tournament. This win marked the end of Australia's 15-match winning streak in the World Cup.
"Today was not about my 50 or my 100. Today was about making India win," said Jemimah Rodrigues after the match.
The atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium was electric, with a crowd of 35,000 cheering India on. The final against South Africa is scheduled to be played at the same venue.
