Under the electric floodlights of the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, the stage was set for a blockbuster semi-final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 — a clash between the six-time champions Australia Women and the ever-resilient India Women, driven by the hopes of a billion fans. The anticipation was palpable, the stands painted blue, and the air thick with emotion as India sought redemption against their most formidable rivals.
Batting first, Australia showcased their trademark professionalism and power, piling up a commanding 338/10 on the back of Phoebe Litchfield’s masterful century (119 off 93) and Ellyse Perry’s fluent half-century (77 off 88). For long phases, it looked like the defending champions were cruising towards another World Cup final. But the Indian bowlers, led by the young and fearless N Sree Charani (2/49), pulled things back spectacularly at the death to keep the target within sight.
What followed was a chase for the ages. In a night that will forever echo in Indian cricket history, Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134) and Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88) produced a heroic partnership that defied pressure, pedigree, and Australia’s dominance. The hosts reached the target in 48.3 overs, finishing at 341/5, and in the process, ended Australia Women’s 15-match unbeaten streak in the ODI World Cup. The roar that followed was not just of victory — it was of belief, redemption, and the rise of a new era.
For the first time in 25 years, the women’s game will crown a new World Cup champion, as India and South Africa — two nations of resilience and heart — gear up for an epic final showdown.
Phoebe Litchfield – 119 (93)
Australia’s rising star Phoebe Litchfield illuminated the semi-final with a sublime century, holding her nerve amid mounting pressure. Her breathtaking 119 off 93 balls was a clinic in timing and composure, decorated with 17 fours and 3 sixes. Litchfield capitalized on the early field restrictions and punished anything remotely loose, anchoring Australia’s innings through her partnership of 155 with Ellyse Perry. Even as wickets fell at the other end, her aggression never waned — a performance that underscored her arrival as Australia’s next batting great.
Ellyse Perry – 77 (88)
Calm, elegant, and unflappable — Ellyse Perry once again proved why she’s the heart of Australian cricket. Her well-crafted 77 off 88 balls steadied the innings after an early jolt. Perry’s strokeplay was filled with grace — perfectly timed drives, flicks through midwicket, and smart running between the wickets. Together with Litchfield, she added crucial momentum in the middle overs, ensuring Australia crossed the 200-mark comfortably. Her dismissal, however, opened the door for India’s late fightback.
N Sree Charani – 2/49 (10)
In a match brimming with stars, it was N Sree Charani who delivered the turning point for India. Her sensational spell of 2 for 49 in 10 overs broke Australia’s rhythm and derailed their end-overs surge. Charani bowled with maturity well beyond her years — using variations, flight, and sharp control to dismiss Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland. Her timely strikes shifted the game’s momentum firmly in India’s favour, earning her deserved applause from the crowd and her teammates alike.
Jemimah Rodrigues – 127* (134)
When the moment demanded composure, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a masterclass for the ages. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls was an exhibition of poise, timing, and relentless determination. Walking in early after quick wicket of Shafali Verma, Jemimah absorbed the pressure and guided the chase with precision, anchoring partnerships while never letting the required rate slip away. Her rotation of strike and exquisite shot placement against spin frustrated the Australian bowlers, and her calm finish under pressure epitomized India’s new generation of fearless cricketers. She was awarded the player of the match for for her sensational innings.
Harmanpreet Kaur – 89 (88)
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur once again rose to the occasion with a commanding 89 off 88 balls, blending authority with aggression. Coming in at a precarious 59/2, she counterattacked with her trademark power, putting Australia’s bowlers on the back foot. Her massive six off Gardner over long-on symbolized India’s intent — they weren’t here to survive, they were here to win. The 167-run stand between Harmanpreet and Jemimah became the heart of India’s chase, combining experience with youthful fearlessness. Even after her dismissal, her influence lingered — she had led by example.
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