In one of the most electrifying nights in women’s cricket history, India toppled defending champions Australia to book a spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final, thanks to a sensational unbeaten century from Jemimah Rodrigues. Her masterclass of 127 not out off 134 balls powered India to a historic five-wicket win, as they successfully chased down 339 runs — the highest successful run chase ever in women’s One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

The crowd of 34,651 at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium witnessed a clash for the ages — a contest that ebbed and flowed with every over, and ended with India scripting one of the greatest turnarounds in modern women’s cricket.

A Shaky Start Before the Storm

India’s chase began with early nerves. Shafali Verma fell in the second over, trapped lbw by Kim Garth after burning a review, leaving India reeling almost immediately. The pressure intensified when Smriti Mandhana and Rodrigues attempted to steady the innings but the left-hander’s promising start ended at 24 when she was caught down the leg side by Garth in the 10th over. India found themselves at 60 for 2 after the powerplay, trailing Australia’s 72 for 1 at the same stage.

But that’s when the magic began.

Rodrigues, batting at No. 3 after Harleen Deol was dropped for the match, found her rhythm early. She was joined by Harmanpreet Kaur, and together, they forged a partnership that would go down in cricketing folklore.

The 167-Run Rescue Act: Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Shine

The duo built a monumental 167-run stand for the third wicket off just 156 balls, balancing composure with aggression. Their chemistry was immaculate — Rodrigues’ graceful strokes complemented Harmanpreet’s raw power. The scoreboard kept ticking at nearly six runs per over, ensuring India never fell too far behind the required rate.

Rodrigues brought up her half-century off 57 balls, while Harmanpreet took 65 to reach her fifty. Both looked untroubled, rotating strike effortlessly and punishing anything loose.

Harmanpreet, who had been battling cramps towards the end of her innings, played a captain’s knock of 89 off 88 balls. She struck her first six after reaching fifty — a lofted extra-cover drive off Tahlia McGrath — and followed it up with another towering hit over midwicket off Ashleigh Gardner. At that stage, India needed 150 runs from the last 20 overs, a target that looked increasingly manageable.

But Australia, known for their fighting spirit, weren’t ready to give up.

Australia’s Missed Chances Prove Costly

Even the mightiest fall when opportunities are squandered — and Australia had two that cost them dearly.

The first came in the 33rd over when captain Alyssa Healy dropped a sitter behind the stumps. Rodrigues was on 82 then — a moment that could have swung the game back in Australia’s favor. The second reprieve arrived ten overs later when Tahlia McGrath spilled a straightforward chance with Rodrigues on 106.

Each drop drew collective gasps from the crowd — and sighs of relief from the Indian dugout.

Australia’s frustration grew as Rodrigues capitalized on every mistake, anchoring India’s chase with poise and purpose. Her innings wasn’t just about elegance; it was about grit, redemption, and resilience.

Rodrigues’ Redemption Arc: From Slump to Stardom

The 25-year-old Rodrigues entered the tournament under immense scrutiny. She had endured a poor run of form, including two ducks in her first three innings, and was even dropped for India’s fifth match against England. But when it mattered most, she delivered the innings of her life — a career-defining knock that carried India into their third Women’s World Cup final, and their first since 2017.

Her approach was methodical yet fearless. Once Harmanpreet fell and the cramps caught up with India’s skipper, Rodrigues took full control of the chase. She found able partners in Deepti Sharma (24 off 17), Richa Ghosh (26 off 16), and finally Amanjot Kaur, who would have the final say.

THIS IS WHAT IT MEANS! 💙🥹

👉 3rd CWC final for India
👉 Highest-ever run chase in WODIs
👉 Ended Australia's 15-match winning streak in CWC#CWC25 Final 👉 #INDvSA | SUN, 2nd Nov, 2 PM! pic.twitter.com/8laT3Mq25P— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 30, 2025

Sealing the Historic Win

After Richa’s cameo ended, Rodrigues steadied the ship again, ensuring no panic set in. In the 47th over, she struck a crisp boundary to bring India within touching distance of history.

Then, in the 49th over, Amanjot Kaur delivered the final blows — smashing the first ball through the off side for four, and the third through backward point for another. The Indian dugout erupted as the ball raced to the boundary. India 341 for 5, with nine balls to spare, and a moment that would be etched in cricketing memory forever.

Rodrigues sank to her knees on the pitch, overwhelmed with emotion. Harmanpreet, her partner in the game’s defining stand, charged onto the field. The Indian players sprinted in from all corners, embracing their hero in a sea of blue jubilation.

For the first time in 16 World Cup matches, Australia tasted defeat — and for the first time ever, a Women’s ODI World Cup final will not feature either Australia or England. India will face South Africa in Sunday’s title clash.

Australia’s Innings: Litchfield’s Brilliance in Vain

Earlier in the afternoon, Australia’s innings was built around a brilliant 119 off 93 balls from Phoebe Litchfield, her maiden World Cup century. She was at her fluent best, dominating the Indian attack with precision and flair. Her innings included a breathtaking array of shots — drives, sweeps, and even a switch hit six off Deepti Sharma that sent the crowd into stunned silence.

Litchfield shared a 155-run partnership with Ellyse Perry for the second wicket, compiled in just 133 balls. Perry, ever the reliable anchor, made 77 off 88 balls, her first fifty of the tournament. Together, they propelled Australia toward what looked like a total well over 350.

India’s bowlers looked bereft of ideas at times. Spin, expected to bring control, only provided more boundaries. When Litchfield was ruled out caught on 62, replays overturned the decision, adding to India’s frustrations. By the time she reached her hundred in 77 balls, Australia were cruising.

But cricket has a way of turning tables.

Once Litchfield (119) fell attempting a scoop off Amanjot Kaur, India’s bowlers clawed their way back. Australia collapsed from 293 for 2 to 338 all out in 49.5 overs, losing eight wickets for 118 runs.

The turning point came through Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73), who tightened the screws in the death overs. Ashleigh Gardner’s 63 off 41 gave Australia a late surge, but India’s discipline at the death prevented the score from ballooning further.

What a team performance! Every player showed heart, hunger, and belief.
Chasing 339 in a World Cup semifinal — simply outstanding! 🔥
Congratulations Team India for creating history and entering the Final! 👏#WWC2025 #TeamIndia #WomenInBlue #ProudMoment #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/AawHzcL1KQ— 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) October 30, 2025

A Match of Fine Margins and Fierce Emotions

This semi-final wasn’t just a contest of bat versus ball — it was a story of mental fortitude, redemption, and seizing the moment.

For India, every element clicked at the right time. Harmanpreet’s calm leadership, Rodrigues’ rediscovered form, and the collective belief of a team hungry for glory combined to script an unforgettable chapter in Indian cricket history.

Australia, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunities — Healy’s and McGrath’s dropped catches, the misfields, and the inability to close out a game they dominated for long periods. But in many ways, their defeat symbolized the changing of the guard — a new force in women’s cricket ready to challenge the old order.

The Road Ahead: India vs South Africa in a Historic Final

With this victory, India not only ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak in World Cup ODIs but also ensured a fresh, first-time champion will be crowned on Sunday. The final against South Africa promises another epic showdown, as both teams chase history.

For Rodrigues, this was more than a century — it was redemption and resurgence rolled into one. For Harmanpreet and her side, it was validation of years of hard work, heartbreaks, and near-misses.

And for Indian cricket fans, it was a dream realized — a night when belief triumphed over odds, and a young woman from Mumbai led her nation into the final with the bat of her life.

What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India! 🇮🇳— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 31, 2025

Match Summary

Australia 338 (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77, Ashleigh Gardner 63; Shree Charani 2/49, Deepti Sharma 2/73)

India 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 127, Harmanpreet Kaur 89, Richa Ghosh 26; Kim Garth 2/46)*

India won by 5 wickets — highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.

Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Vygr Media.