A Night of Glory That Redefined Indian Women’s Cricket
It was a night that rewrote cricketing history. The India
Women’s Cricket Team produced an unforgettable performance in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final, defeating Australia Women by five wickets to secure
their place in the grand finale.
This monumental win, achieved through the highest-ever successful run chase in
Women’s ODI history, showcased not only skill and strategy but also the
unshakable spirit of the Women in Blue.
Australia’s Strong Start with Litchfield’s Heroics and Power
Hitting
The IND-W vs AUS-W semi-final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi
Mumbai, on October 30, 2025, began with Australia Women winning the toss and
opting to bat first.
Their top order set the tone for a high-scoring encounter.
- - Phoebe
Litchfield stood tall with a magnificent 119 off 122 balls, displaying
class and confidence.
- - Ellyse
Perry (67) and Ashleigh Gardner (48) added valuable runs in the middle
order.
- -Australia
posted a commanding total of 338 all out in 49.5 overs, looking in
complete control for most of the innings.
India’s bowlers kept their cool despite pressure:
- - Deepti
Sharma picked up two crucial wickets at key moments.
- - Pooja
Vastrakar’s late breakthroughs prevented Australia from going beyond 350,
keeping India’s hopes alive.
India’s Record-Breaking Run Chase Led by Jemimah Rodrigues
and Harmanpreet Kaur
Chasing a daunting 339, India needed composure, partnership,
and belief — and that’s exactly what they delivered.
The innings began steadily before Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur took
charge in the middle overs.
Key Moments from India’s Chase:
- - Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with a match-winning 127 not out (113
balls) — a masterpiece of timing and temperament.
- - Captain
Harmanpreet Kaur scored a crucial 89 off 92 balls, blending aggression
with experience.
- - The
duo stitched together a 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket, turning
the game in India’s favor.
- - India
crossed the target in 48.3 overs, finishing with 341/5, sealing victory by
5 wickets with nine balls to spare.
Their approach was fearless — rotating the strike smartly,
attacking loose balls, and keeping the required rate under control throughout.
Turning the Tide: Australia Crumbles Under Pressure
Australia, unbeaten until this match, looked shell-shocked
as India’s batters dismantled their bowling attack.
- - Fielding
errors and missed catches proved costly for the Aussies.
- - Their
bowlers struggled to maintain rhythm under mounting pressure.
- - India’s
strategic shot selection and calmness in pressure overs exposed
Australia’s vulnerability.
This defeat marked the end of Australia’s dominant streak
and highlighted India’s evolution into a team capable of mastering
high-pressure situations.
Historic Significance and Road Ahead to the World Cup Final
This victory is India Women’s third World Cup Final
appearance — after 2005 and 2017 — but this time, the team looks more balanced,
confident, and ready for glory.
Their next challenge will be against South Africa Women, who reached their
first-ever ICC final.
Key Takeaways from India’s Semi-Final Win:
- - A
fearless batting mindset against one of the world’s best attacks.
- - Strong
partnerships built around patience and precision.
- - A
confident bowling effort that restricted Australia below a par total.
- - Leadership
and unity that reflect India’s rise in women’s cricket.
This performance wasn’t just about numbers - it was a
statement that Indian women’s cricket has arrived at the pinnacle of world
dominance.
