History was rewritten at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, on 30th October 2025, as the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2nd Semi-final between India, led by Harmanpreet Kaur, and Australia, captained by Alyssa Healy, produced an astonishing 679-run aggregate, the highest ever recorded in a Women’s World Cup semi-final across any edition.
This explosive contest eclipsed the previous record of 526 runs from the 2017 Derby semi-final, also featuring India and Australia, and set a new benchmark for run-fests on the grandest stages of women’s cricket.
India vs Australia, Navi Mumbai 2025
The 2nd Semi-final in the 13th ICC Women’s ODI World Cup saw seasoned match-winners and bold selections combine for an unforgettable clash. India, energised by key changes such as Richa Ghosh and Shafali Verma’s return, overcame challenges against a formidable Australian line-up, featuring a fired-up Alyssa Healy and the innovative inclusion of Sophie Molineux.
Australia’s batting fireworks began with Phoebe Litchfield’s glittering 119, making her at 22 Years and 195 Days the youngest centurion in a Women’s World Cup semi-final. Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63) turbocharged the innings through the middle and late overs. Despite the initial resistance from Amanjot Kaur and critical breakthroughs by the Indian spin duo of Shree Charani and Radha Yadav, Australia piled up a record semi-final total of 338 in 49.5 overs.
India’s response was shaped by resilience and craft. After early wickets, Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur launched a historic 167-run partnership, the highest for India in a knockout fixture. Rodrigues’ maiden World Cup century (127* off 134) anchored the chase, supported by Harmanpreet’s commanding 89 and vital cameos from Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh. Amanjot Kaur’s cool finish amid death-over pressure clinched a monumental chase to outstrip Australia’s storied unbeaten streak and thrust India into their third World Cup final. This match also marked Jemimah Rodrigues as the first player to score a hundred in a successful World Cup knockout chase.
Derby 2017 and Guwahati 2025
2017 Derby: The 11th edition’s 2nd Semi-final between India and Australia at County Ground, Derby, remains memorable for Harmanpreet Kaur’s iconic 171* off 115 balls, the highest individual score in any World Cup semi-final. In a rain-curtailed 42-over contest, India amassed 281/4 before bowling out Australia for 245. Alex Blackwell’s fighting 90 and Elyse Villani’s 75 were not enough as India sealed a famous win. The encounter produced a 526-run aggregate, shattering previous records and setting a precedent for high-scoring World Cup knockouts.
2025 Guwahati: The 1st Semi-final saw South Africa, led by Laura Wolvaardt, surge past England with a 513-run match aggregate. Wolvaardt’s masterclass 169, the second-highest semi-final knock ever, and Marizanne Kapp’s dynamic all-round display (5 wickets and a feisty 42 runs) powered South Africa to their maiden final appearance in World Cup history for either gender. Despite Nat Sciver-Brunt’s resistance, England fell 125 runs short, closing a contest rich with individual brilliance and strategic team decisions.
All-Time Highest Semi-final Aggregates
- 679 Runs: India vs Australia 2025—DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai —30 Oct 2025
- 526 Runs: India vs Australia 2017—County Ground, Derby 20 Jul 2017
- 513 Runs: South Africa vs England 2025–Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati –29 Oct 2025
The 2025 semi-finals have redefined what is possible in terms of scoring and drama in women’s cricket, pushing the boundaries for future generations. For India, the road forged by Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, and a united squad culminates in a third finals appearance, promising fresh chapters for the sport. South Africa’s rise, led by Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp, marks the dawn of new contenders. With the stage set for India vs South Africa in the grand finale, women’s cricket is poised for a champion reshaping ODI World Cup history.
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