Context & Pre-Match Setup

• This was the knockout moment. India faced the defending champions Australia in the semi-final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai. Australia had been dominant historically and were favourites.

• Australia won the toss and chose to bat first.

• The match had all the ingredients of a high-stakes thriller: big total expected, disciplined chase required, and India under pressure to deliver.

Australia’s Innings Breakdown

• Australia posted 338 all out in 49.5 overs.

• Stand-out contributions:

  • Phoebe Litchfield scored 119 off 93 balls (17 fours, 3 sixes).

  • Ellyse Perry made 77 off 88 balls.

  • Ashleigh Gardner chipped in with 63 off 45 balls.

• India’s bowlers applied pressure, especially in the later overs, but Australia had already established a strong base.

  • For example, Shree Charani picked up 2 wickets conceding 49 in her 10 overs.

  • Deepti Sharma also grabbed 2 wickets but gave away 73 runs in 9.5 overs.

India’s Chase & Bowling/Fielding Dynamics

• India responded brilliantly: 341/5 in 48.3 overs, winning by 5 wickets with 9 balls remaining.

• Key batting contributions:

  • Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a match-winning 127 (134 balls)* anchoring the chase.

  • Harmanpreet Kaur made 89 off 88 balls, the perfect partner in the chase.

  • Support came from others: for instance, Richa Ghosh 26 off 16, and Deepti Sharma 24 off 17.

• India’s bowling and fielding:

  • Though Australia scored heavily, India’s bowlers kept probing and prevented the target from inflating further.

  • Fielding lapses by Australia – notably dropped catches of Rodrigues – proved costly.

Implications & Take-Aways

For India:

• A landmark victory. They broke through the psychological barrier of defeating Australia in a major knockout.

• The batting depth and ability to chase big totals now look more credible.

• The team’s confidence is significantly boosted heading into the final.

For Australia:

• A heavy blow. Despite posting a large total, their fielding and inability to close out the game cost them.

• Need to reflect on execution in high-pressure chases and fine margins like dropped opportunities.

On 30 October 2025 in Navi Mumbai, India scripted history. Australia piled up 338 on the back of a century from Phoebe Litchfield and strong support from Perry and Gardner. Yet the Indian reply was even more dramatic: anchored by Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and backed by Kaur’s 89, India chased 339 to clinch victory by five wickets with nine balls to spare. It was the highest successful run-chase in women’s ODI history, delivered on the biggest stage. India’s win means a new champion will be crowned at the World Cup final. For Australia, it’s a rare and painful defeat in a knockout.