India pulled off a historic win in the 2025 Women’s World Cup semi-final, ending Australia’s dominant run of 16 consecutive victories. Chasing a record 339, India triumphed by five wickets with nine balls to spare, led by a stunning unbeaten 127 from Jemimah Rodrigues and a composed 89 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Their 167-run partnership sealed India’s spot in their third World Cup final—and their first since 2017—setting up a title clash with South Africa.
Australia, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63, posted a formidable 338 after being 220 for 2 at one stage. However, India’s bowlers fought back, taking 8 for 118 in the final overs to restrict further damage.
In reply, India lost early wickets, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana falling cheaply. But Rodrigues and Harmanpreet rebuilt with patience and precision, rotating strike and attacking at the right moments. Rodrigues reached her maiden World Cup century from 114 balls, anchoring the chase even after Harmanpreet’s dismissal and a few late stumbles. Dropped catches—most notably by Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath—proved costly for Australia.
Earlier, Litchfield dominated India’s spinners with audacious strokeplay, including switch hits and sweeps, while Perry kept the scoreboard ticking. Yet Australia’s middle-order collapse allowed India to regain control before Rodrigues and Harmanpreet’s masterclass completed the turnaround.
As Rodrigues lay on the ground in elation after the winning run, teammates rushed in to celebrate a moment that will be etched in Indian cricket history. For the first time, an ODI World Cup final will not feature either Australia or England—a sign of the new order in women’s cricket.
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