India Women created history by defeating defending champions Australia Women by 5 wickets to reach the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Australia batted first and posted a huge 338 runs in 49.5 overs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63. India’s chase began shakily, losing early wickets, but Jemimah Rodrigues produced a stunning unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, supported brilliantly by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who added 89 runs.
The pair shared a 167-run stand, steering India toward the target with calm and confidence. Despite a few nervy moments, India chased down 339 runs in 48.3 overs, registering one of the highest successful chases in Women’s ODI history and the highest ever in a World Cup knockout match.
Australia’s fielding errors, including two dropped catches of Rodrigues, proved costly. Jemimah’s composure and shot selection earned her Player of the Match honors. This victory ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten run and sent India into their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup final.
Score & Match Details
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Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
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Australia Women batted first and made 338 (or 339 target) (some sources list 338 all-out) in about 49.5 overs. Key batters: Phoebe Litchfield scored 119 off ~97 balls.
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Other contributions: Ellyse Perry 77 and Ashleigh Gardner 63 (approx) helped build a big total.
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India Women in reply reached 341/5 in 48.3 overs (or equivalently they chased 339 with 5 wickets in hand, 9 balls to spare) to win the match.
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Key innings: Jemimah Rodrigues unbeaten 127 off 134 balls (14 fours) anchoring the chase.
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Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored 89 off 88 balls, sharing a vital partnership.
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Outcome: India beat Australia by 5 wickets and advanced to the final. They will face South Africa Women’s cricket team.
Highlights of the Match
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Australia, as defending champions, looked strong after posting a huge total. Litchfield’s century and the half-centuries from Perry & Gardner set the tone.
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India’s chase started with early hiccups: openers struggled (e.g., Shafali Verma fell early) and required run-rate climbed quickly.
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The turning point: the 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet stabilised the innings. According to the live updates, when India were ~226-2, that partnership had delivered.
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Fielding and dropped chances played a big role: Australia dropped Rodrigues when she was ~82 and ~106; the errors proved costly.
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The target (339) was the highest successful chase in a Women’s ODI World Cup knockout (semi-final) and one of the highest in women’s ODIs overall.
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Emotional finish: India sealed it with nine balls to spare; the crowd and players were visibly moved. Rodrigues admitted it “just feels like a dream”.
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For Australia, their 15-match unbeaten streak in this World Cup ended. They will reflect on opportunities missed and fielding lapses.
Key Points & Observations
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Historic chase: India’s successful run-chase of 339 is now among the top chases in women’s ODI history and sets a new benchmark in knockout cricket.
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Rodrigues’ masterclass: The unbeaten 127 anchored the innings under intense pressure; a mix of patience, timing and aggression.
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Support from leadership: Harmanpreet’s 89 laid the foundation; the stand with Rodrigues removed most of the pressure.
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Australia’s fielding let-down: Dropped catches at key moments allowed India to build and maintain momentum.
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Mental strength: India, often criticized for faltering in big moments, showed confidence and composure in a high-stakes match.
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Momentum shift in women’s cricket: Beating Australia (seven-time champions) in such a dramatic fashion signals the increasing competitiveness of women’s cricket globally.
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Path to final: With this win, India will enter the final full of belief; the pressure will now shift to their opponents and how India handle the occasion of a World Cup final.
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Broader impact: The match will be remembered not only for the statistics but for its emotional value, the breaking of records, and the inspiration it provides to young cricketers.
Final Words
This match will go down as one of the great turning points in the history of women’s cricket. When India walked in to chase 339, few would have bet heavily on them. But through a superb innings from Jemimah Rodrigues, backed by Harmanpreet Kaur, and aided by lapses from Australia, India upset the odds, sealed a place in the final and etched a new record into the game. The stage is now set for a thrilling final and for India to chase their first‐ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.
