In a night to remember at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India Women scripted history by defeating defending champions Australia Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final. Chasing an improbable 338, the Indian side, led by a sensational century from Jemimah Rodrigues, pulled off the biggest run chase in women’s ODI history to storm into the final.
The focus keyword “India Women vs Australia Women” dominated global cricket searches on Thursday night as fans witnessed one of the greatest turnarounds in one-day history. India clinched the match by 5 wickets in 49 overs, ending Australia’s World Cup reign in style.
Jemimah’s Heroic Knock Lights Up Mumbai
Jemimah Rodrigues was the heart of India’s record-breaking chase. Walking in at a crucial stage, she showcased calm aggression, building her innings with remarkable precision. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, laced with 14 boundaries, guided India home in front of a roaring home crowd.
Partnering skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who struck a fiery 89 off 88 balls, Jemimah turned the contest on its head. The duo stitched a 167-run partnership for the third wicket, breaking Australia’s momentum and laying the foundation for India’s historic win. Their chemistry in the middle overs neutralized Australia’s spin attack and silenced the packed stadium’s tension.
When Harmanpreet departed, India still needed over 60 runs. But Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Deepti Sharma (24 off 17) ensured the scoreboard kept ticking, before Amanjot Kaur’s quick 15 off 8 balls sealed the chase with an over to spare.
Australia’s Strong Start Fizzles Out
Earlier, batting first, Australia Women looked set for another dominant show. Opener Phoebe Litchfield struck a stunning 119 off 93 balls, hammering 17 fours and 3 sixes. She was well-supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63), who propelled Australia to a daunting 338-run total.
At one point, Australia stood at 220 for 2, threatening to reach 360-plus. However, disciplined spells from Deepti Sharma (2/73) and Sri Charani (2/49) slowed their progress. India clawed back in the death overs, restricting Australia to 338 all out with one ball remaining.
Litchfield and Perry’s 155-run partnership for the second wicket was the backbone of the Australian innings. Yet, once the pair fell, the middle order failed to capitalize. India’s bowlers, though inconsistent early on, tightened their lines at the crucial moments.
A New Era in Women’s Cricket
This victory is more than just a semi-final win. It’s a statement of intent from a side that has long been chasing global glory. With this performance, India Women not only ended Australia’s dominance but also announced their arrival as true World Cup contenders.
For Jemimah Rodrigues, this innings will go down as one of the greatest in Indian women’s cricket history—a blend of skill, temperament, and belief. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s composure under pressure, calling it a “collective masterclass.”
India will now face South Africa Women in the final on November 2, setting up a mouthwatering clash between two nations still searching for their first World Cup title.
If this semi-final was any indication, the final promises fireworks.
