In a spectacular display of grit, skill, and determination, India Women’s Cricket Team defeated Australia Women’s Cricket Team in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, booking their place in the tournament’s grand finale. The thrilling contest saw India chase down a record total of 338 runs, securing victory by five wickets and making history as the highest successful chase in women’s World Cup knockout history.
Australia, batting first after winning the toss, posted an imposing total of 338 runs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119 and strong half-centuries from Ellyse Perry (64) and Ashleigh Gardner (58). The defending champions dominated the early part of their innings, reaching 159 for one in 25 overs, before India’s bowlers contained them effectively during the middle overs to prevent a bigger total.
In reply, India got off to a steady start but lost Smriti Mandhana early for 24. The setback, however, paved the way for a match-winning partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur, who steadied the innings and then launched a stunning counterattack. Rodrigues played one of the finest innings in the history of Indian women’s cricket, remaining unbeaten on 127 off 118 balls, while Harmanpreet contributed a crucial 89 off 94 deliveries.
Their 167-run stand turned the momentum completely in India’s favour. The two batted with poise and confidence, rotating the strike intelligently while punishing the Australian bowlers for any loose deliveries. Australia’s fielding, which had been one of their strongest assets throughout the tournament, faltered under pressure as two dropped catches proved costly.
As the required run rate climbed, Deepti Sharma (27 not out) and Amanjot Kaur (19 not out) ensured a calm finish, guiding India home with nine balls remaining. Amanjot sealed the victory with a stylish flick to the fine-leg boundary, sparking wild celebrations in the stadium and across the country.
Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, said the team believed in themselves even when the chase looked difficult. “We trusted our preparation and our partnership. This win is special because it came against the best team in the world,” she said after the match.
Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy admitted that her team was outplayed on the day. “We had opportunities but couldn’t capitalise. India batted exceptionally well and deserved to win,” she remarked.
With this memorable victory, India ended Australia’s dominant run in global tournaments and advanced to their third Women’s World Cup final. The win also ensured that a new champion will be crowned this year. India will now face South Africa Women’s Team in the final on Sunday, in what is expected to be a fiercely contested title clash.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) hailed the performance, calling it a “defining moment in Indian women’s cricket”. Sports icons and leaders across the country congratulated the team, praising their resilience and tactical maturity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the team’s fighting spirit, saying it showcased the strength of India’s daughters on the global stage.
Cricket analysts described the match as one of the greatest semi-finals in World Cup history, crediting Rodrigues and Harmanpreet for combining flair with composure. Experts noted that the win will boost the popularity of women’s cricket in India, inspiring a new generation of players.
As India prepares for the final against South Africa, the focus will remain on maintaining consistency and composure. The team’s balanced mix of experience and youth has made it one of the most complete Indian sides to compete at the world level.
This victory not only earned India a place in the final but also reaffirmed their arrival as a powerhouse in world cricket — a moment that will be remembered as a turning point in the journey of women’s sport in India.
