India pulled off one of the greatest victories in women’s cricket, chasing down a record target to defeat Australia by five wickets and book their place in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025. Jemimah Rodrigues produced a career-defining innings of 127 off 134 balls, supported by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s composed 89 from 88 deliveries, as India ended Australia’s 15-match winning streak in Navi Mumbai on 23 October.
Australia, having opted to bat first after winning the toss at the DY Patil Stadium, piled up a formidable total of 338 in a rain-interrupted innings. Despite Alyssa Healy’s early dismissal for 5, the defending champions looked in command through Phoebe Litchfield’s stunning 119 off just 93 balls — the fastest century in World Cup knockout history. She added 155 runs for the second wicket with Ellyse Perry, who struck 77 from 86 balls. Ashleigh Gardner then added late fireworks with a rapid 63 off 35 balls to push the total beyond 330.
India’s bowlers were made to work hard, with Shree Charani the pick of the attack, claiming 2 for 49 in her 10 overs. Deepti Sharma was expensive but managed two wickets, while Amanjot Kaur, Radha Yadav and Kranti Gaud took one apiece.
India’s reply began shakily as Shafali Verma fell for 10 and Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal to a contentious DRS decision left the side under pressure at 27 for 2. But Jemimah and Harmanpreet steadied the innings with a commanding 167-run stand for the third wicket. Harmanpreet, continuing her remarkable record in knockout games, fell just short of a century, while Jemimah reached her maiden one-day ton with elegant precision and calm authority.
As the required rate climbed, Deepti Sharma (24 off 17) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) played crucial cameos to keep the chase alive before Amanjot Kaur joined Jemimah to guide India home in the final overs. The result sealed India’s place in the final and handed Australia a rare knockout defeat, ending their long unbeaten streak.
India will face South Africa in the final on 2 November in Navi Mumbai.
