India’s long wait for an ICC crown remains alive – and how. Under the Navi Mumbai lights, they stormed into their third Women’s World Cup final. Jemimah Rodrigues turned the night into her own legend, making a blistering 127 as India humbled Australia by five wickets in a heart-pounding semi-final at the raucous Dr DY Patil Stadium. Women’s World Cup semi-final results
With history stacked against them and fate allowed to dream, Harmanpreet Kaur’s warriors rose as one – ending Australia’s 16-match unbeaten run that echoed that memorable night at Derby when Harmanpreet’s 171 overwrote belief itself.
Earlier, Australia chased down 331 in Vizag to achieve their highest total in women’s ODIs. But in Navi Mumbai, India seized the script – chasing 339 with nine balls to spare. Now, hearts blazing and confidence soaring, India march towards destiny – the final against South Africa on November 2.
PHOEBE LITCHFIELD HAS AUSTRALIA
After opting to bat first, Australia got an early reprieve when Alyssa Healy was dropped by Harmanpreet Kaur. However, Healy failed to capitalize on the chance as Kranti Gaud rattled the stumps just before the rain.
From there, Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry took over and put together a commanding 155-run partnership for the second wicket.
India vs. Australia, the best of the Women’s World Cup semi-finals
Litchfield was initially given out for 62 in an attempted reverse sweep by Shree Charani, but records confirmed it was a bump ball and she survived. The southpaw seized the opportunity to reach his third ODI century – and his first in the World Cup – in just 77 balls. It was also the fastest century in Women’s World Cup knockout history, making her the youngest to do so.
Soon after reaching her hundred, Litchfield was dropped by Richa Ghosh and looked increasingly menacing, smashing Deepti Sharma for back-to-back sixes. However, Amanjot Kaur gave India some respite as he dismissed Litchfield for a brilliant 119 off 93 balls with 19 fours and three sixes.
Perry played a perfect supporting role and scored a crucial 77. Charani then gave India some hope when she removed Beth Mooney (24) and Annabel Sutherland in quick succession. But Ash Gardner’s blistering 63 along with handy cameos from Tahlia McGrath (12) and Kim Garth (17) took Australia to a formidable 338 in 49.5 overs.
For India, Charani was once again the standout performer – as she was in Vizag – finishing with figures of 10-0-49-2. Deepti Sharma bowled a tidy final over and took two wickets but was expensive overall conceding runs at 7.42 per over. Kranti Gaud also had time off, driving at 9.66. Indian lapses in the field, including several fielding errors and overthrows, further hurt their cause.
JEMIMAH, HAMANANPREET Reviving INDIA
India didn’t get off to the best of starts as Kim Garth dismissed Shafali Verma early. Shafali started promisingly with two fours on her return to ODIs before falling cheaply. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues then began to steady the innings at 46-runs, but a brilliant moment of awareness from Alyssa Healy turned the tide.
Mandhana was caught leg after Healy successfully checked a wide call. The The southpaw departed on a run-a-ball 24 and left visibly upset as Australia seemed to take control.
Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Jemimah and together they ensured that India remained in the hunt. The Indian skipper was lucky when Healy missed a chance to stumble when she was on 10. Harmanpreet, who dealt with that luck, made the Aussies pay with a majestic knock of 89 runs with 10 fours and two sixes. The pair added 167 runs – the highest partnership against Australia in the history of the tournament – combining patience with calculated aggression.
India vs Australia, Women’s World Cup
Healy’s day went from bad to worse when she dropped Jemimah for 82 and missed a relatively simple chance. But the breakthrough came from Annabel Sutherland, who dismissed Harmanpreet just as India needed 113 more. The Indian skipper has been struggling with cramps, which may have contributed to her dismissal.
With 80 needed from the last 10 overs, the match was tied. Deepti Sharma looked solid during her 17-ball 24, playing some sharp shots to keep the score going. But a mix-up with Jemimah led to her escape and gave Australia a glimmer of hope.
JEMIMAH TAKES INDIA HOME
However, Jemimah held firm and brought up her maiden World Cup hundred off 115 balls – her third ton of the year. Richa Ghosh wasted no time in accelerating and crushed the dangerous Megan Schutt for a towering six down the ground. Jemimah enjoyed another relief when Tahlia McGrath dropped her for 105 off Sutherland’s bowling.
Adding insult to injury, Richa smashed a boundary over third man in the very next over and then followed it up with another massive six off Ashleigh Gardner. With 34 needed from the last five overs, India were nose ahead while Australia needed something special to stay alive.
Sutherland struck again to remove Richa, who threatened to finish it off with her 26 off 16. But Jemimah continued to lead the chase, cutting Sophie Molineux for four to almost tip the equation.
Taking complete charge, Jemimah remained unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls with 14 boundaries to guide India home in 48.3 overs. Amanjot Kaur sealed the deal in the 49th over with two fours against Molineux, prompting scenes of joy and celebration as India completed a famous victory.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 30, 2025
