India vs Australia Highlights, Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi Final: India Pull Off Biggest Run Chase in WODIs to Reach World Cup Final
History was made at DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai as India Women pulled off the biggest successful run chase in Women’s ODI history, defeating Australia by five wickets to reach the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s commanding 89, the Women in Blue scripted one of the most remarkable comebacks in modern cricket, chasing down a mammoth 339-run target in just 48.3 overs. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
This victory not only ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten World Cup streak but also ensured India reached their third World Cup final, setting up a title clash with South Africa on Sunday.
Jemimah Rodrigues: The Star of the Night
When India lost Shafali Verma (8) and Smriti Mandhana (24) early, the chase looked daunting at 59/2. But Jemimah Rodrigues, walking in at No. 3, produced the innings of her life.
The 24-year-old right-hander showcased maturity beyond her years, anchoring the chase with controlled aggression. She stitched together a 167-run stand with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, turning pressure into opportunity. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Rodrigues’ knock of 127 not out off 134 balls, laced with 14 fours, was a blend of precision and power. Her ability to rotate strike and find gaps made Australia’s disciplined bowling look ordinary.
She survived two close chances — dropped on 82 and 106 — but remained focused till the end. When Amanjot Kaur struck the winning boundary, Rodrigues knelt down in tears, overwhelmed by the magnitude of India’s triumph. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Leadership and Firepower
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who famously scored 171* against Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final, once again delivered in a knockout game. Her 89 off 88 balls was filled with elegant drives, fearless lofts, and smart running between the wickets. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Together with Rodrigues, she neutralized Australia’s middle-overs spin threat from Alana King and Ashleigh Gardner, ensuring India stayed ahead of the required rate. Her calm leadership under pressure and smart use of the batting order reflected her experience and tactical acumen.
India’s Tactical Brilliance and Composure
The DY Patil pitch offered true bounce and even pace throughout, allowing stroke-makers to express themselves. Once dew arrived, batting conditions became easier, and India’s batters took full advantage.
India’s approach was clear — keep wickets in hand and attack in phases. The turning point came between overs 30 to 40, when both Harmanpreet and Rodrigues shifted gears, adding 68 runs in just 42 balls.
Even after Harmanpreet’s dismissal, Rodrigues maintained the tempo, supported by Deepti Sharma (27) and *Amanjot Kaur (19)**, ensuring the chase was completed with 9 balls to spare.
Australia’s Innings: Litchfield Leads the Charge
Earlier, Australia Women posted a commanding 338/7 after opting to bat first. Young opener Phoebe Litchfield was the star, smashing 119 off 97 balls — her third ODI century. She was well supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63), as Australia looked set for another dominant win.
However, India’s bowlers, particularly Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (1/56), struck crucial blows in the final 10 overs, restricting Australia from crossing the 350-mark. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Despite the target being the highest-ever in Women’s ODI World Cup knockouts, India’s belief never wavered.
The Moment That Changed Everything
When Rodrigues played a delicate late cut off Megan Schutt to reach her century, the crowd at DY Patil erupted in joy. It was a moment of poetic redemption — the same opponent, same stage, and once again, India rising from the brink to conquer the Australian juggernaut. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Australia’s fielding, usually their strongest suit, was uncharacteristically sloppy — dropping two crucial catches and misfielding at key junctures. These small lapses proved decisive as India’s batters seized every opportunity.
End of an Era for Australia, Rise of a New India
For Australia, this loss marked the end of an extraordinary run — 15 consecutive World Cup wins, spanning across two editions (2022–2025). Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Their dominance was finally broken by a fearless Indian side led by Harmanpreet and Rodrigues, signaling a new era in women’s cricket where India are no longer underdogs, but genuine world-beaters.
Road to the Final: India’s Redemption Story
India is run in the 2025 Womens world Cup has been a real rollercoaster. They hit rock bottom after losing three games in a row honestly it looked like they were out. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
But then came those gritty wins over New Zealand and Pakistan. And now, after this wild semi-final, they’re suddenly back in the race. What a turnaround! Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
They now face South Africa Women in the final on Sunday in Mumbai, a matchup that promises high drama. South Africa reached the final after beating England in Guwahati.
If India go on to lift the trophy, it will mark their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup title — a historic achievement on home soil. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
Post-Match Reactions
Jemimah Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, said:
“It still feels unreal. We wanted to play fearless cricket and stick to our plans. Harman di kept telling me — one partnership and we’re there. This is for all the fans who kept believing in us.”
Harmanpreet Kaur, beaming with pride, added:
“We believed till the last ball. The girls showed incredible character. This win is special — we defeated one of the greatest teams ever. Now it’s time to focus on the final.”
Australian skipper Tahlia McGrath graciously admitted:
“Credit to India. They were the better side today. Jemimah’s innings was world-class. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
Statistical Highlights
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| India’s Total | 341/5 in 48.3 overs |
| Target | 339 |
| Result | India won by 5 wickets |
| Highest Successful Chase in WODIs | ✅ (Previous: 289 by Australia vs NZ, 2012) |
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 127* (134), 14 fours |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 89 (88), 9 fours, 2 sixes |
| Phoebe Litchfield (AUS) | 119 (97), 15 fours |
| Shree Charani (IND) | 2/49 |
| Player of the Match | Jemimah Rodrigues |
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final between India and South Africa at the DY Patil Stadium promises to be a historic occasion. Both teams are chasing their maiden World Cup crown, and India will enter the contest high on belief and momentum. Womens World Cup 2025 Semi FinalWomens World Cup 2025 Semi Final
For Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur, this semi-final will forever be remembered as the night they led India to rewrite the record books and inspire a new generation of cricketers.
