The DY Patil Stadium witnessed one of the most breathtaking nights in women’s cricket history as India pulled off a record-breaking chase to defeat the mighty Australians in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025.
Australia, the six-time champions and defending titleholders, entered the match unbeaten in their last 15 World Cup games. India, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, had shown flashes of brilliance throughout the tournament but were often considered underdogs against the all-conquering Aussies.
As the evening sky turned crimson over Navi Mumbai, fans packed the stands with tricolours waving high, hoping to see India overcome their long-time nemesis — and by the end of the night, they witnessed something historic.
Australia’s Batting Brilliance: 338 on the Board
Winning the toss, Australian skipper Alyssa Healy chose to bat first, confident in her team’s batting firepower. Her openers provided a steady start before Phoebe Litchfield took control of the innings with a masterful century.
- Phoebe Litchfield: 119 (109 balls, 13 fours, 2 sixes)
- Ellyse Perry: 67 (64 balls)
- Ashleigh Gardner: 56 (47 balls)
The trio combined to dismantle India’s bowling rhythm. Litchfield, in particular, was in imperious touch, playing elegant drives and fearless pulls that silenced the crowd early on.
At one point, Australia looked poised for a total well above 360, but India managed to pull things back slightly in the death overs. Renuka Singh took 3 key wickets, including those of Perry and Gardner, ensuring India didn’t lose total control.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs — still a towering total in women’s cricket.
India’s Rocky Start
The chase began under immense pressure. The Australian pace duo of Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown struck early, removing both openers cheaply. Smriti Mandhana fell for just 14, while Shafali Verma edged one behind after scoring 22.
At 38/2, the atmosphere was tense. Australia smelt blood. The target of 339 looked mountainous. But then came the partnership that would change everything.
Rodrigues & Harmanpreet: The Dream Partnership
When Jemimah Rodrigues walked in, India needed calmness and control. What followed was a batting masterclass. Rodrigues, playing in front of her home crowd, displayed poise beyond her years, crafting one of the greatest innings in Indian women’s cricket history.
Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur built a monumental 167-run partnership for the third wicket. Their partnership blended aggression and composure — Rodrigues attacked the gaps with perfect timing, while Harmanpreet countered Australia’s spin attack with confidence.
- Jemimah Rodrigues: 127* (118 balls, 15 fours, 2 sixes)
- Harmanpreet Kaur: 89 (88 balls, 7 fours, 1 six)
Australia’s fielding, usually sharp, began to crumble. They dropped Rodrigues twice — once when she was on 82 and again on 106 — both off Gardner’s bowling. Those missed chances proved fatal.
The crowd erupted with chants of “India! India!” as every boundary tightened India’s grip on the chase. The duo’s chemistry and calmness under pressure reflected India’s new-found confidence and mental resilience.
The Finishing Touch
After Harmanpreet’s dismissal, India still required 70 runs off 54 balls. But Rodrigues stood firm, guided expertly by Richa Ghosh (32 off 19) and Deepti Sharma (21 off 13).
With just nine balls remaining, Rodrigues flicked Darcie Brown past midwicket for four — sealing India’s record-breaking chase of 341/5 in 48.3 overs.
It became the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history, eclipsing Australia’s previous record from earlier in the same tournament.
Post-Match Reactions
Jemimah Rodrigues (Player of the Match):
“It still feels unreal. We knew we had to stay calm and take it one ball at a time. Harman di kept telling me, ‘Stay till the end, we’ll win this.’ This is for every fan who believed in us.”
Harmanpreet Kaur (India Captain):
“This is one of the proudest moments of my career. Beating Australia in a World Cup semi-final, and that too in such a chase, shows how far Indian women’s cricket has come.”
Alyssa Healy (Australia Captain):
“We didn’t execute our plans. Dropped catches and poor bowling in the middle overs cost us. Credit to India — they were fearless and deserved to win.”
Turning Points of the Match
- Australia’s fielding lapses: Dropped catches of Rodrigues proved to be the game’s biggest turning point.
- Rodrigues–Kaur partnership: The defining moment — 167 runs that shifted the match completely.
- Renuka Singh’s late wickets: Stopped Australia from crossing 360+, keeping India’s hopes alive.
- Home crowd energy: The roaring DY Patil crowd lifted India’s spirits during tough phases.
Statistical Highlights
- India’s 341/5: Highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history.
- Rodrigues’ 127:* Her career-best and one of the top five highest scores in a World Cup knockout.
- Harmanpreet’s 89: Her fifth consecutive World Cup fifty as captain.
- Renuka Singh: 3/68 in 10 overs.
- Australia’s streak broken: Their first World Cup loss since 2017.
What This Means for Indian Cricket
This victory marks India’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup final (after 2005 and 2017).
It’s more than just a win — it’s a statement of dominance, belief, and maturity. India’s ability to chase a mammoth target against the world’s best team signals a shift in women’s cricket’s global balance of power.
The triumph also strengthens India’s claim as a genuine powerhouse in the women’s game — a team that no longer fears the big stage but thrives on it.
What’s Next
India will face South Africa in the World Cup Final at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The stage is set for another blockbuster as Harmanpreet’s side looks to lift their maiden World Cup trophy.
Australia, meanwhile, will have to reflect on their rare failure in a knockout match and rebuild ahead of the next cycle.
Final Scorecard Summary
Australia Women: 338 all out (49.5 overs)
- Litchfield 119, Perry 67, Gardner 56
- Renuka Singh 3/68, Deepti Sharma 2/52
India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
- Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet 89, Richa Ghosh 32*
- Brown 2/70, Gardner 1/59
India won by 5 wickets
📜 Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues
In Summary
India’s win wasn’t just about runs — it was about rewriting history.
It was about belief, redemption, and national pride.
As fireworks lit up the Mumbai sky, the Indian team walked off the field to a thunderous ovation, knowing they had done what many thought was impossible — they had dethroned the champions.
