October 31, 2025 –
On October 30, 2025, the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final witnessed one of the most thrilling clashes in women’s cricket history, under the floodlights of the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Indian women’s cricket achieved one of its greatest milestones. Facing the defending champions Australia Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final, India pulled off a breathtaking victory — chasing 339 runs with remarkable composure and resilience. The 5-wicket win, anchored by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s vital 89, not only sent India into the final against South Africa but also etched a new chapter in the history of Indian women’s cricket.
This wasn’t just a win — it was a statement of intent, proof that the Indian women’s team can dominate under pressure, chase down record totals, and take on the best in the world.
Australia’s Innings: A Formidable Total of 338/10 in 49.5 Overs
After winning the toss, Australia elected to bat first, looking to capitalize on their power-packed top order. The pitch offered a touch of assistance to batters early on, and Australia took full advantage.
Phoebe Litchfield’s Brilliant Century
Young opener Phoebe Litchfield led the charge with a magnificent 119 off 93 balls, laced with 14 boundaries and 4 sixes. Her shot selection was immaculate — driving through covers, pulling anything short, and keeping the scoreboard ticking with confidence.
Her innings set the tone for Australia’s dominance in the first half of their innings.
Gardner and McGrath Add Firepower
Ashleigh Gardner played a blistering knock of 63 off 45 balls, while Tahlia McGrath added 48 off 38 balls, steering Australia past the 300-run mark. Gardner’s powerful strokeplay in the middle overs gave India no room to breathe, particularly when she targeted the spinners.
However, India’s bowlers held their nerve in the final overs, preventing Australia from crossing 350.
Indian Bowling Fightback
Despite Australia’s big total, Indian bowlers showed remarkable character.
- Shree Charani (2/49) bowled with control and discipline.
- Deepti Sharma chipped in with crucial middle-over breakthroughs.
- Pooja Vastrakar’s late wickets helped India restrict Australia’s acceleration.
Australia eventually folded for 338 all out in 49.5 overs — a commanding total, but one India believed they could chase.
India’s Chase: Record-Breaking 341/5 in 48.3 Overs
Chasing 339 in a World Cup semi-final is no small feat. But India approached it with calm determination and tactical precision.
Steady Start by the Openers
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma gave India a solid start, adding 64 runs for the first wicket. Mandhana’s elegant drives and Shafali’s aggression set the platform, ensuring India didn’t fall behind the required rate.
Once the openers departed, the responsibility fell on the experienced middle order — and they delivered spectacularly.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Masterclass: 127* Not Out
When pressure was at its peak, Jemimah Rodrigues stood tall. Her unbeaten 127 off 112 balls was a masterclass in timing, placement, and temperament. She rotated the strike beautifully, picked her moments to attack, and never allowed the required rate to spiral out of control.
Her innings was built on intelligence — targeting weaker bowlers, running hard between the wickets, and finishing with style.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Captain’s Knock
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur once again proved her big-match pedigree. Her 89 off 95 balls stabilized the innings and allowed Jemimah to express herself freely. Together, they added a 140-run partnership, the defining moment of the chase.
Finishing Touches
Richa Ghosh and Deepti Sharma added the finishing touches, with Richa smashing the winning boundary in the 49th over. India chased down 341/5 in 48.3 overs, marking one of the highest successful chases in Women’s World Cup history.
Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final Match Summary Table
| Team | Score | Overs | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia Women | 338 all out | 49.5 | Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ashleigh Gardner 63 |
| India Women | 341/5 (Won by 5 wickets) | 48.3 | Jemimah Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet Kaur 89 |
Key Turning Points of the Match
- Litchfield’s early dominance set a big total but was balanced by India’s late bowling comeback.
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ controlled aggression neutralized Australia’s pace attack.
- Harmanpreet’s partnership-building under pressure steadied India.
- Gardner’s dismissal at 63 slowed Australia’s momentum.
- India’s fearless intent — no panic despite the 339 chase — defined the game’s spirit.
Tactical & Strategic Analysis: How India Outplayed Australia
1. Perfect Batting Blueprint
India’s batting strategy revolved around calculated aggression. They maintained a run rate close to six throughout the innings, ensuring no scoreboard pressure.
2. Smart Bowling Rotations
Harmanpreet rotated her bowlers smartly, using spin in the middle overs to break partnerships and pace in the death overs to contain runs.
3. Mental Toughness Under Pressure
India displayed mental fortitude — a quality that separates good teams from great ones. Their calm approach, even after early setbacks, showcased maturity.
4. Fielding Improvements
India’s sharp fielding saved at least 15–20 runs — crucial in such a high-scoring match.
5. Leadership and Team Spirit
Harmanpreet’s calm leadership, coupled with Jemimah’s energy and focus, inspired the entire squad. The post-match celebration reflected unity and belief.
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues
There was no debate — Jemimah Rodrigues earned the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten century in a high-pressure chase.
Her 127* was not just a statistic; it was a statement of intent, composure, and skill.
Rodrigues later said in her post-match interview:
“We believed we could chase this. Every run, every partnership mattered. This win is for the team and for our fans who never stopped believing.”
Social Media & Expert Reactions
The cricketing world erupted in praise for India’s win.
- Sachin Tendulkar tweeted: “Phenomenal composure by Jemimah and leadership from Harmanpreet! Truly proud of Team India.”
- Mithali Raj, the former Indian captain, called it “a defining moment in women’s cricket history.”
- Fans flooded social media with hashtags like #WomenInBlue, #JemimahRodrigues, and #WWC2025 trending globally.
Even Australian legends like Ellyse Perry acknowledged India’s brilliance, calling their chase “fearless and flawless.”
Historical Significance: A New Chapter in Indian Women’s Cricket
This victory wasn’t just about reaching the final — it was symbolic of India’s evolution.
For years, the Indian women’s team has been on the brink of greatness — reaching finals, challenging giants, but narrowly missing out. This semi-final changed that narrative.
Chasing 339 against Australia, the most successful team in women’s cricket history, and winning convincingly, sends a clear message:
India is no longer the challenger — they are the contender.
Venue Spotlight: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
The DY Patil Stadium, known for its electric atmosphere and batting-friendly surface, witnessed one of its most iconic matches. The crowd, packed with tricolor flags and chants of “India, India!”, created an unforgettable scene as Jemimah and Harmanpreet sealed the win.
What Lies Ahead: India vs South Africa — ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final Preview
The stage is set for the final showdown — India vs South Africa.
South Africa, having defeated England in the other semi-final, are in red-hot form, led by Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp.
Key Focus Points for the Final:
- India’s Top Order: Maintaining the same rhythm and confidence from the semi-final.
- Bowling Adaptation: South Africa’s lineup relies heavily on pace — Indian batters must adjust early.
- Fielding Precision: Finals demand intensity — sharp fielding can change momentum.
- Leadership & Composure: Harmanpreet’s strategic calmness will again be crucial.
The final promises to be a contest of temperament and tactics — two teams hungry for their first-ever Women’s World Cup trophy.
Conclusion: The Dawn of a New Era
The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final between India and Australia will be remembered as a landmark moment — a match that symbolized belief, unity, and courage. India’s fearless pursuit of 339, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ century and Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership, showcased the evolution of Indian women’s cricket into a global powerhouse. India’s performance in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final proves their readiness for global dominance.
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FAQs about India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final
1. Who won the India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final?
Ans – India Women won by 5 wickets, chasing 339 successfully at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
2. Who was the Player of the Match?
Ans – Jemimah Rodrigues won the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 127.
3. What was the final score of the match?
Ans – Australia Women scored 338 all out in 49.5 overs. India Women chased down 341/5 in 48.3 overs.
4. What record did India set in this match?
Ans – India completed one of the highest successful chases in Women’s World Cup history (341 runs).
5. Who will India face in the final?
Ans – India will face South Africa Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final.
6. Why is this win significant?
Ans – It’s India’s first-ever World Cup final after defeating Australia, the defending champions, marking a new era in Indian women’s cricket.
