Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - In a stunning upset, India defeated defending champions Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, securing their place in the final. The victory, achieved through a record-breaking run chase at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and sparked celebrations across India.
Australia, after winning the toss, set a formidable target of 339, propelled by Phoebe Litchfield's brilliant century (119) and Ash Gardner's explosive 63. Despite a late flurry of wickets, Australia reached 338/10 in 49.5 overs, putting immense pressure on the Indian batting lineup. Shree Charani was the pick of the Indian bowlers, claiming 2 wickets for 49 runs.
India's chase began shakily, with Shafali Verma falling early. However, Jemimah Rodrigues and Smriti Mandhana steadied the ship with a 46-run partnership. Mandhana's dismissal brought captain Harmanpreet Kaur to the crease, and together, she and Rodrigues orchestrated a remarkable turnaround.
Rodrigues, who was not even a guaranteed starter in the XI at the beginning of the tournament, played an extraordinary innings, scoring an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls. Her innings was a blend of poise, flair, and maturity, defying the pressure of the occasion. She found a perfect partner in Captain Kaur, as the pair added a match-defining 167 runs for the third wicket. Kaur contributed a crucial 89 off 88 balls before being dismissed.
Deepti Sharma added a quick 24 before being run out. Richa Ghosh then kept the momentum going with 26 off 16. Rodrigues then found another helpful partner in Amanjot Kaur. Jemimah was given a second life on 106 when Tahlia McGrath spilled a straightforward chance.
India reached the target of 339 in 48.3 overs, finishing at 341/5, thus rewriting the record for the highest successful run chase in Women's ODIs. This was also the first time a 300-plus total was gunned down in an ODI World Cup knockout, be it men's or women's. Rodrigues was named Player of the Match for her outstanding performance.
The victory ended Australia's 15-match unbeaten streak in the ODI World Cup since 2017 and marked only India's 12th win over Australia in 61 matches. The last time Australia lost a match in the Women's ODI World Cup was also against India in the 2017 semi-final.
India will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the same venue. Both teams will be vying for their first-ever World Cup title. The final is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM IST. Star Sports Network will broadcast the match live in India.
