For a fleeting moment at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, disbelief hung heavier than the humid Navi Mumbai air. Smriti Mandhana, India’s batting talisman, stood frozen at the crease — bat dangling loosely, eyes fixed on the big screen — as the word “OUT” flashed in bold red. What had seemed a routine wide moment earlier had turned into one of the most debated dismissals of the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup.
It happened in the 10th over of India’s daunting chase of 339 against Australia in the semi-final. Kim Garth, searching for movement, sent one drifting down the leg side. The on-field umpire signalled wide, and play was about to resume. But Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy, after an animated discussion with her teammates, rolled the dice on a DRS. To the naked eye, there was nothing. Yet, when the UltraEdge replay appeared, a faint spike coincided with the ball brushing past Mandhana’s bat. The decision was overturned.
Mandhana’s reaction said everything — a slow shake of the head, a look of disbelief, and a reluctant walk back to the pavilion. The crowd, moments ago roaring her name, fell into stunned silence before erupting into boos and disbelief. Whether it was the slightest of edges or a cruel trick of technology, the damage was done. Mandhana was gone for 24, and India were 59/2.
It felt like the air had been sucked out of Navi Mumbai. Mandhana had been the heartbeat of India’s campaign — elegance, aggression, and calm wrapped into one. Coming into the match as the tournament’s second-highest run-getter, she had amassed 389 runs in eight matches at an average of 55.57 and a strike rate of 102.36. Her early exit seemed a cruel twist in India’s most important chase in years.
But the story of the night wasn’t destined to end there. What followed was a masterclass in defiance and composure. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur rebuilt India’s innings with a 167-run stand that blended artistry with audacity. Harmanpreet’s 89 off 88 balls steadied the ship, while Rodrigues — calm, precise, and clinical — played the innings of her life, remaining unbeaten on 127 off 134 deliveries. Together, they turned a nervous chase into a historic pursuit.
Earlier in the evening, Australia had flexed their batting muscle after being put into bat. Despite losing Healy early for 5 to Kranti Gaud, young Phoebe Litchfield rose to the occasion, producing a dazzling 119 off just 93 balls studded with 17 fours and 3 sixes. Partnered by the ever-reliable Ellyse Perry (77 off 88), she helped Australia cruise to 180/2. Cameos from Beth Mooney (24 off 22) and Ashleigh Gardner (63 off 45) pushed the total towards 338 before India’s bowlers struck back. N Sree Charani’s 2/49 triggered a mini-collapse, supported by Radha Yadav, Amanjot Kaur, and Deepti Sharma, while three run-outs curtailed Australia’s late surge.
The target of 339 was formidable, especially under lights in Navi Mumbai, where chasing has historically been treacherous. Yet, India, buoyed by a sea of fans and unyielding belief, pulled off a heist for the ages — winning by five wickets and storming into their first-ever Women’s World Cup final. The victory ended Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak in World Cups and ensured that a new champion would be crowned after 25 long years.
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