In a match that will echo through the annals of women’s cricket for generations, the Indian women’s team scripted pure magic at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Chasing a mammoth 339 – the highest target ever in a Women’s ODI World Cup knockout stage – India pulled off the impossible, securing a thrilling five-wicket victory over defending champions Australia in the semi-final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 became the stuff of legends, propelling the hosts into their first final since 2017, where they’ll face South Africa on November 2.
This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement. Under the floodlights, with a sea of blue roaring in the stands, India rewrote history by achieving the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI cricket, surpassing England’s 219 against South Africa in 2017. For a team that had never chased down 200-plus in a World Cup before, this chase was a testament to resilience, skill, and unyielding spirit.
The Build-Up: A Clash of Titans on Home Soil
Australia, the seven-time World Cup winners, entered the semi-final unbeaten in the tournament and on a 15-match ODI World Cup winning streak since 2017. Led by the ever-reliable Alyssa Healy, the Aussies had dominated India in 49 of their 60 previous ODIs. But the hosts, captained by the fiery Harmanpreet Kaur, carried the weight of a nation’s dreams. Fresh off a mixed league stage, India made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani, and Radha Yadav to bolster their spin attack.
The pitch at DY Patil promised a batting paradise – red soil with true bounce – but early morning showers added intrigue. Healy won the toss and, unsurprisingly, elected to bat first, banking on their explosive top order. Little did they know, India’s bowlers had other plans.
Australia’s Power-Packed Innings: Fireworks and a Fiery Collapse
Australia’s innings exploded into life after a rain delay, thanks to opener Phoebe Litchfield’s maiden World Cup century. The 22-year-old southpaw bludgeoned 119 off just 93 balls, including 14 fours and four sixes, laying the foundation with a commanding 155-run stand for the second wicket alongside Ellyse Perry (64 off 66).
Perry, the all-time leading run-scorer in women’s ODIs, anchored the middle order with her trademark poise, while Ashleigh Gardner injected late fireworks with a blistering 63 off 41 balls, her fifty coming in just 41 deliveries. These efforts propelled Australia past 300, a mark they crossed with Gardner’s aggressive strokeplay.
But India’s bowlers staged a heroic fightback, claiming 8 wickets for 118 runs in the final 16.1 overs. Renuka Singh Thakur struck early, dismissing Healy for a scratchy 12 after a dropped catch by Harmanpreet – a moment that could have swung the game. Spinners Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav found grip on the turning track, while Kranti Gaud and Shree Charani chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Australia were all out for 338 in 49.5 overs, their highest total in a World Cup semi-final, but India’s disciplined death bowling kept the total under what could have been 350-plus.
India’s Epic Chase: Rodrigues’ Masterclass Lights Up Navi Mumbai
Needing 339 to win, India lost openers Shafali Verma (quick start but early exit) and Smriti Mandhana cheaply, slumping to 25/2. Enter Jemimah Rodrigues – dropped twice by the Aussies, including a sitter by Tahlia McGrath – who turned the tide with a counter-attacking gem. Her 127* off 134 balls was a blend of elegance and grit: precise drives, deft glances, and fearless pulls that silenced the skeptics.
Rodrigues found allies in Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 78, with a monstrous 83-meter six) and a brief cameo from Amanjot Kaur (vital boundaries in the death). Richa Ghosh added 26 with two massive sixes, including one matching Harmanpreet’s monster hit. The required rate hovered around 7, but Rodrigues’ composure – reaching her ton in the 43rd over – kept the chase alive.
In the penultimate over, with 7 needed, Amanjot Kaur sealed the deal with a crisp cut boundary off Sophie Molineux. India finished at 339/5 in 49 overs, their dugout erupting in tears and hugs. Rodrigues’ knock, her second ODI hundred against Australia, was the eighth by an Indian batter in ODIs versus the Aussies.
Key Moments That Defined the Drama:
- Litchfield’s Assault: Her century had India reeling early, but the bowlers’ response turned the game.
- Dropped Catches Galore: Australia spilled chances, including two off Rodrigues, proving costly in a high-stakes chase.
- Harmanpreet’s Six: A pressure-relieving blow that echoed the 2017 semi-final heroics.
- Amanjot’s Finishing Touch: The boundary that sent DY Patil into frenzy, marking India’s first 300-plus chase in ODIs.
What This Means for Women’s Cricket
This victory isn’t just about numbers; it’s a milestone for Indian women’s cricket. Beating the juggernaut Australia – who hadn’t lost in the tournament – on home soil propels India into a blockbuster final against South Africa. For Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, it’s redemption after a tough start to the tournament. As captain Harmanpreet said post-match, “This team’s heart is bigger than any scoreline.”
Fans worldwide are buzzing – from Mumbai’s streets to social media – hailing this as one of the greatest days in the sport’s history. With the final looming, India stands on the cusp of glory. Can the Women in Blue lift the trophy and end Australia’s dominance?
