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In a night that will be remembered for generations, Team India pulled off the biggest run chase in Women’s ODI history, defeating seven-time champions Australia by five wickets in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final at the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
The win isn’t just a cricketing triumph; it’s a moment of reclamation, confidence, and passion.
India chased down 338 runs, rewrote the record books and booked their place in the World Cup final for the third time after 2005 and 2017.
The hero of the night is none other than Jemimah Rodrigues, who played the innings of her life, a breathtaking 127 not out off 134 balls, guiding India home with nine balls to spare.
Also Read: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 began with record-breaking crowds in Guwahati
The Greatest Run Chase in Women’s World Cup History
The chase of 339/5 (48.3 overs) is now officially the highest successful chase in Women’s ODI cricket and the biggest in any ODI knockout, men’s or women’s.
The previous best chase in a World Cup knockout (men’s or women’s) was 298 by New Zealand against South Africa in the 2015 Men’s World Cup semi-final.
This win also marks the second time India has beaten Australia in a World Cup semi-final, both coming unforgettably.
Jemimah Rodrigues: From Doubt to Destiny
Jemimah’s knock was more than a century. Hers was a story of courage and faith. The 24-year-old from Mumbai carried India on her shoulders, crafting an innings that mixed elegance with composure.
“I just want to thank Jesus because I couldn’t do this on my own. It’s been really hard these last four months, and this feels like a dream that hasn’t sunk in yet,” Jemimah said, tears flowing after the win.
She became only the second cricketer ever to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout chase, joining England’s Nat Sciver-Brunt, who achieved the feat in the 2022 final.
Her innings included 14 boundaries. She remained calm under pressure, and it made a difference between heartbreak and history.
Harmanpreet Kaur Leads with Heart
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a vital role. She scored a captain’s 89 off 88 balls and steered the innings through crucial phases. Her embrace with Jemimah after the winning runs captured the emotion of the night, a moment of tears, relief, and triumph.
“We always trusted Jemimah. She’s someone who always wants to do well for the team. She held her nerve and finished it beautifully,” said Harmanpreet, visibly emotional after the match.
Also Read: The ICC Women’s World Cup opening match in Guwahati
Amanjot Kaur Seals It in Style
With just two runs needed and ten balls to spare, Amanjot Kaur smashed a short delivery from Sophie Molineux to the boundary, sealing a famous victory.
The stadium erupted. The players ran onto the field, tears mixed with laughter, and Jemimah stood still overcome by emotion as the entire nation cheered.
Australia Stunned Despite Litchfield’s Heroics
Earlier in the day, Phoebe Litchfield powered Australia to 338 all out in 49.5 overs with a brilliant 119 off 93 balls. She was ably supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (65 off 45).
For India, Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) were among the few who managed to put the brakes on Australia’s charge.
But despite posting a massive total, Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the Indian batters, with Kim Garth (2/46) and Annabel Sutherland (2/69) picking up wickets in vain.
India’s Road to the Final
India’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dramatic. After three consecutive losses in the league stage, the team showed resilience and belief to turn things around. Smriti Mandhana, the tournament’s top scorer with 365 runs, and the fearless Jemimah Rodrigues have led India’s revival.
This will be India’s third appearance in a Women’s ODI World Cup final, following heartbreaks in 2005 and 2017. Will 2025 finally be their year?
What Lies Ahead: India vs South Africa Final
The grand finale will take place on Sunday, November 2, again at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, where India will face South Africa, who defeated England by 125 runs in the first semi-final.
With momentum on their side and the home crowd behind them, Harmanpreet Kaur’s India will look to create history and lift their maiden Women’s World Cup trophy.
Match Summary
ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 , Semi-Final 2
Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai
Australia Women: 338/10 (49.5 overs)
India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
India won by 5 wickets
Top 3 Highest Chases in Women’s ODIs
- 339 : India vs Australia (2025 World Cup, Navi Mumbai)
- 331 : Australia vs India (2025 World Cup, Visakhapatnam)
- 302 : Sri Lanka vs South Africa (2024, Potchefstroom)
Disclaimer:
This article is based on verified match reports and official updates. It is for informational purposes only and not affiliated with the ICC or any official body.
Kangkan Kishor Sharma, an M.A. in Media and Journalism, serves as the Chief Contributor at NestOfNews.com. He contributes regularly, bringing insight, passion, and a deep commitment to delivering stories that truly matter. His work reflects a thoughtful understanding of media, storytelling, and the issues shaping today’s world.