India Stuns Australia with Record-Breaking Chase, Seals Spot in Women's World Cup 2025 Final

In one of the most thrilling encounters in Women’s Cricket World Cup history, Team India pulled off a sensational upset against seven-time champions Australia to storm into the Women’s World Cup 2025 Final. Chasing a mammoth target of 338, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side scripted the highest successful run chase ever in women’s ODI history, defeating Australia by five wickets and ending their unbeaten run in the tournament.

A Match for the Ages

The semifinal clash between India and Australia will be remembered as a defining moment in women’s cricket. After losing to the same opponent in the league stage, India entered the knockout determined to settle the score — and they did it in grand style.

Australia, who had been dominant throughout the tournament, looked set for another easy victory after posting a massive total. But what followed was an extraordinary display of grit, skill, and belief from the Indian side.

Australia Set a Mountain to Climb

Winning the toss, Australian skipper Alyssa Healy opted to bat first. However, Healy’s own innings didn’t last long, leaving the spotlight to Phoebe Litchfield, who played one of the finest knocks of her career. Litchfield hammered 119 runs off 93 balls, peppered with 17 fours and 3 sixes.

She was well supported by veterans Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, both of whom struck fluent half-centuries. Their collective effort powered Australia to a commanding 338 runs, giving their bowlers a solid platform to defend.

For most teams, that total would have been out of reach — but not for this Indian side.

India’s Early Collapse and Dramatic Comeback

Chasing 338, India had a shaky start. Shafali Verma fell early with just 10 runs on the board. The setback deepened when Smriti Mandhana, one of India’s key batters, was dismissed for 24, denting hopes among fans.

At that point, India’s win probability dropped sharply — but that’s when Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur rose to the occasion.

Together, they built a record-breaking 167-run partnership, reviving India’s innings and turning the game on its head. Their composure under pressure and attacking stroke play silenced the Australian bowlers and shifted the momentum firmly in India’s favor.

Jemimah’s Century and Harmanpreet’s Heroics

Jemimah Rodrigues delivered the innings of her life, smashing an unbeaten 127 runs studded with 14 boundaries. Her knock was a perfect mix of patience and aggression, proving why she is regarded as one of India’s most dependable batters in big games.

Meanwhile, Harmanpreet Kaur once again showcased her big-match temperament, scoring a fiery 89 runs off 88 balls. Her partnership with Jemimah was the turning point that broke Australia’s morale and revived memories of her legendary innings against them in previous World Cups.

With calculated hitting and flawless running between the wickets, the duo guided India to victory with five wickets in hand and a few balls to spare.

End of Australia’s Dominance

For the seven-time champions, this defeat marked the end of an era of dominance. Their dream of another title came crashing down as India’s fearless chase made history.

The Indian team not only avenged their league-stage loss but also sent a powerful message — the balance of power in women’s cricket is shifting.

India Marches to the Final

With this historic win, India has booked its place in the Women’s World Cup 2025 Final, where they will face South Africa on November 2. The victory has ignited celebrations across the country, as fans hail this as one of India’s greatest-ever comebacks in women’s cricket.

If India can carry this momentum into the final, Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad could be on the verge of delivering India’s first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title — a dream that now feels closer than ever.