India produced a memorable performance to chase down Australia’s massive total of 338 runs and win the Women’s ODI World Cup Semi-Final by five wickets, securing a place in the final against South Africa. The standout performance came from Jemimah Rodrigues, who scored an unbeaten 127, supported brilliantly by Harmanpreet Kaur’s fiery 89. Australia’s innings was anchored by Phoebe Litchfield’s majestic 119 and Ellyse Perry’s classy 77, but the Indian batting unit’s resilience under pressure saw them through in a thrilling encounter.
Australia set a challenging target after winning the toss and electing to bat first at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai. Opener Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry provided a solid foundation, sharing a 155-run partnership marked by aggressive stroke play and impeccable shot selection. Ashleigh Gardner’s quickfire 63 late in the innings propelled Australia to 338, the highest total in a Women’s World Cup semi-final, leaving India with an imposing target.
India’s chase began on shaky ground with early wickets, but the entrance of Jemimah Rodrigues and Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings. The duo batted with composure and intent, building a crucial 167-run partnership — a record against Australia in Women’s World Cups. Harmanpreet’s aggressive 89 kept the scoreboard ticking, while Jemimah’s unbeaten 127 combined grit with elegance, capitalizing on dropped catches and fielding lapses from Australia.
Despite losing Harmanpreet and a run-out of Deepti Sharma in the death overs, Jemimah retained her calm and was ably supported by Richa Ghosh and Amanjot Kaur. Their quick running between the wickets and clever boundary shots under the stadium lights ensured India crossed the line with overs to spare, in what became the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI World Cup knockout history.
For Australia, while Litchfield and Perry’s half-centuries stood out, the team struggled to contain India’s partnership and costly fielding errors, including dropped catches at key stages. Ashleigh Gardner’s all-round contribution lent Australia hope, but it wasn’t enough to withstand the pressure of India’s chase.
This victory marked a significant achievement for India, overcoming Australia only for the 12th time in 61 ODI matches, and ended Australia’s 15-match winning streak. It set up a highly anticipated final clash against South Africa, who had earlier beaten England to reach their first-ever final.
This semi-final was a showcase of resilience, skill, and dramatic cricket moments that will be remembered as one of the most exciting clashes in Women’s ODI history, with Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur’s partnership standing out as the defining factor in India’s historic win.
The stage is now set for an epic final that promises more unforgettable cricket moments. Looking ahead, the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final will be held at the same venue, Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, on Sunday, November 2. India will face South Africa with the match starting at 3 PM IST, promising a thrilling conclusion to a remarkable tournament.
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