The Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will go down as one of the most thrilling contests in women’s cricket history. India, chasing an almost impossible target of 339, pulled off the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
With Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, India stunned defending champions Australia to book a place in the World Cup final against South Africa. For the first time ever, the final will not feature either Australia or England, breaking decades of domination.
Even Australian captain Alyssa Healy admitted after the match: “We did that to ourselves.”
India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025: Match Summary
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Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
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Australia: 338 all out in 49.5 overs (Litchfield 119, Perry 77, Gardner 63)
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India: 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet 89, Richa Ghosh 26)
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Result: India won by 5 wickets, with 9 balls to spare
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Key Context: India’s third ODI World Cup final (after 2005, 2017). Australia suffer first defeat in 16 World Cup ODIs.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Match-Winning Century
Rodrigues Anchors the Chase
Walking in after Shafali Verma’s early dismissal, Rodrigues took charge of the innings. She rotated strike smartly, found the gaps, and punished loose balls. Her composure under pressure made the mammoth chase look achievable.
Century Under Pressure
She reached her half-century in 57 balls and later her maiden World Cup century in 114 balls. Even after reaching the milestone, Rodrigues did not celebrate — her focus remained on finishing the chase.
The Drop That Changed the Game
Australia’s fate turned when Alyssa Healy dropped Rodrigues on 82. India still needed 131 runs from 106 balls at that point. Rodrigues went on to capitalise fully, ending unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captain’s Knock
Holding the Innings Together
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur initially played the anchor role, giving Rodrigues the strike. She displayed patience and maturity, ensuring India never fell behind the required rate.
Acceleration at the Right Moment
After her half-century, Harmanpreet switched gears, hitting two towering sixes that eased pressure. Her 89 off 99 balls provided the perfect balance of stability and aggression.
The Defining Partnership
Together, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet built a 167-run stand off 156 balls, effectively breaking Australia’s spirit. This partnership turned a tough chase into a confident pursuit.
India’s Supporting Heroes: Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh
Deepti’s Handy Knock
Deepti Sharma scored a brisk 24 off 17 balls, keeping India ahead of the required run rate. Though run out, her strike rate ensured no pressure build-up.
Richa’s Fearless Cameo
Richa Ghosh smashed two sixes and two fours in a short innings that shifted momentum decisively. By the time she departed, India were almost home, needing just a run-a-ball.
Australia’s Innings: Litchfield Leads, but Collapse Hurts
Phoebe Litchfield’s Maiden World Cup Hundred
Australia’s innings was built around Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, a classy knock full of sweeps and drives. She brought up her hundred in just 77 balls, giving Australia early dominance.
Perry and Gardner Provide Firepower
Veteran Ellyse Perry (77) anchored the middle overs, while Ashleigh Gardner (63 off 41) added late aggression. At 220/2, Australia seemed set for a score above 360.
India’s Fightback with the Ball
India’s bowlers clawed back in the death overs. Led by Shree Charani and Radha Yadav, they restricted Australia to 338 all out, taking 8 wickets for 118 runs. This collapse left Australia at least 20–30 runs short.
Alyssa Healy’s Reaction After the Defeat
“We Did That to Ourselves”
In her post-match comments, Alyssa Healy admitted:
“We probably didn’t finish off with the bat, didn’t bowl that great and dropped all our chances in the field. Ultimately, outdone in the end.”
Dropped Chances Proved Costly
Australia dropped three catches — including two of Rodrigues — and those misses proved fatal.
Australia’s Collapse Under Pressure
Healy acknowledged that Australia should have scored more than 350 from their position at 220/2. The collapse turned a dominant position into a vulnerable total.
End of an Era for Healy
The semi-final marked Healy’s last ODI World Cup. The 35-year-old confirmed her retirement from the format, passing the baton to the next generation. She praised Phoebe Litchfield as the future of Australian batting.
Key Turning Points in the Semi-Final
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Healy drops Rodrigues on 82: The defining missed chance.
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India’s death-overs bowling: Restricted Australia below 340.
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Rodrigues-Harmanpreet stand: A 167-run partnership that sealed control.
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Richa Ghosh cameo: Fearless hitting under pressure.
Records Broken in Navi Mumbai
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Highest successful chase in women’s ODIs: India 341/5 chasing 339.
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Australia’s first World Cup defeat in 16 matches.
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First Women’s ODI World Cup final without Australia or England.
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Rodrigues’ maiden World Cup century in a semi-final.
India vs South Africa: Final Preview
India will now face South Africa in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final. Both teams are eyeing their first-ever ODI World Cup title.
For India, the semi-final victory was not just about numbers — it was about belief. Rodrigues’ composure, Harmanpreet’s leadership, and fearless batting from Richa and Deepti showed a side ready to become world champions.
For Australia, this was the end of an era. With Healy retiring and Perry in the final stages of her career, the spotlight now shifts to Litchfield and Gardner as the torchbearers of the future.
SEO-Friendly FAQs
What is the highest successful chase in women’s ODIs?
India chased down 339 against Australia in the 2025 World Cup semi-final, creating history.
Who won Player of the Match?
Jemimah Rodrigues, for her unbeaten 127*.
Who were Australia’s top performers?
Phoebe Litchfield (119), Ellyse Perry (77), Ashleigh Gardner (63).
Who will India face in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final?
India will face South Africa in Navi Mumbai.
Is Alyssa Healy retiring?
Yes, Healy confirmed this was her final ODI World Cup.
Conclusion: The End of Australia’s Domination
The India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final will be remembered as the day women’s cricket shifted gears. India chased down the highest-ever target in ODIs, ending Australia’s 16-match winning streak and their long-standing reign at the top.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten century, Harmanpreet’s leadership, and crucial cameos from Richa and Deepti carried India into the final. On the other hand, Alyssa Healy’s candid admission — “we did that to ourselves” — reflected Australia’s missed chances and collapse under pressure.
As India prepare to face South Africa in the final, one thing is certain: a new world champion will rise, and women’s cricket has entered a bold new era.
