The atmosphere at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was absolutely electric. Indeed, this high-stakes ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against the mighty Australians felt like a grand final in itself. Furthermore, defeating the defending champions—a team known for their relentless dominance—is arguably one of the toughest challenges in cricket. Consequently, when Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, they set the Women in Blue an astronomical target of 339 runs, putting immense pressure on the home team. What followed was a chase that broke world records and left every cricket fan in India in tears of joy. This was more than just a win; it was a statement.
Australia's Early Firework Show
Australia’s innings was built on a foundation of aggressive intent, proving exactly why they are considered the world's best. Young Phoebe Litchfield played a sensational, fearless innings, smashing a dazzling century (119 off just 93 balls) that showcased incredible maturity for her age. Moreover, her knock earned her the record of the youngest player to score a World Cup knockout century. Ellyse Perry, the seasoned veteran, provided solid support, meticulously building her score to 77. Later, Ashleigh Gardner provided the typical Australian fireworks in the death overs, blasting 63 runs from a mere 45 balls.
Ultimately, Australia’s total of 338 was a mammoth score, one that looked impossible to chase down in a high-pressure World Cup semi-final. For India, young spinner Shree Charani was the pick of the bowlers, delivering a phenomenal spell to keep the flow of runs in check.
The Chase of a Lifetime Begins
The daunting target of 339 required a historic batting effort. However, the start of the Indian chase was shaky, as both openers, Shafali Verma and the in-form Smriti Mandhana, were dismissed early. The scoreboard showed 59 for 2, and the tension in the stadium was palpable, a familiar sinking feeling creeping into the hearts of Indian fans. This is where the true character of the team shone through. Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur walked in to join Jemimah Rodrigues, and together they orchestrated a partnership that will be remembered for decades. Furthermore, they didn't just survive; they counter-attacked with incredible conviction.
Rodrigues and Kaur: A Partnership for the Ages
Jemimah Rodrigues, known for her technique and cheeky strokeplay, anchored the innings beautifully. She was unflappable, calmly rotating the strike and finding the boundary when needed. Meanwhile, her captain, Harmanpreet Kaur, found her aggressive rhythm, striking the ball cleanly to keep the required run rate manageable. They added a game-changing 167 runs for the third wicket, systematically dismantling the Aussie bowling attack.
The highlights of this monumental effort include:
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ Unbeaten 127: A knock of sheer patience and brilliance, holding one end firm right until the finish line.
- Harmanpreet Kaur’s Commanding 89: A powerful captain's innings, featuring clean hits and vital acceleration through the middle overs.
- A World Record Chase: India successfully chased down 339, officially becoming the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI history.
Richa Ghosh's Power-Hitting Finish
Harmanpreet's unfortunate dismissal at a crucial juncture threatened to derail the chase, with 113 runs still required. However, the young Richa Ghosh refused to bow down to the pressure. She launched a blistering cameo of 26 runs off just 16 balls, injecting vital momentum back into the innings with some massive sixes. Deepti Sharma also chipped in with a handy contribution.
Finally, with only a few runs needed, Jemimah Rodrigues—the rock of the innings—guided the team to the brink of victory, before Amanjot Kaur applied the finishing touches with a magnificent boundary. Consequently, India won by five wickets with nine balls to spare, sparking emotional celebrations across the stadium and the country. The Women in Blue have defeated the giants and will now face South Africa in the final, eyeing their maiden World Cup title.
