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India Women Create History! Record Chase Stuns Mighty Australia - Into ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final
Summary: A landmark moment in Indian cricket as Jemimah Rodrigues & Harmanpreet Kaur power India Women into the World Cup Final after a record-breaking 5-wicket win over Australia.
Historic Night in Navi Mumbai: India Women Chase Down 338 to Stun Australia
At the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, yesterday, cricket witnessed history. India Women scripted one of the greatest comebacks in women’s ODI history, defeating the all-powerful Australia Women by 5 wickets to storm into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final.
Australia, unbeaten till now, looked confident after posting a formidable 338 all out (49.5 overs) - thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119 and Ellyse Perry’s steady 77.
But India - led by Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership and Jemimah Rodrigues’ masterclass - had other plans.
Australia’s Innings: Litchfield & Perry Light Up the Stage
After winning the toss, Alyssa Healy opted to bat first.
Her early dismissal by Kranti Gaud (5 off 15) gave India hope, but young gun Phoebe Litchfield stole the show with a breathtaking 119 off 93 balls (17 fours, 3 sixes).
Ellyse Perry (77 off 88) anchored from the other end, while Ashleigh Gardner added fireworks with 63 off 45.
Despite Australia’s strong total, India’s bowlers - especially Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) - kept chipping in to restrict further damage.
Australia ended at 338 all out in 49.5 overs, setting what looked like an impossible target.
India’s Magical Chase: Rodrigues & Harmanpreet Rewrite History
The chase began aggressively as Shafali Verma (10 off 5) and Smriti Mandhana (24 off 24) went after the bowlers, but both fell early to Kim Garth.
Then walked in Jemimah Rodrigues - calm, composed, and determined. With skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), she stitched a monumental partnership that broke Australia’s spirit.
Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 off 134 balls, guiding India to 341/5 in 48.3 overs, sealing a 5-wicket victory - and with it, a golden ticket to the World Cup Final.
Key Performers
| Player | Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Jemimah Rodrigues | 127* (134b, 14×4) | Match-winning anchor |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | 89 (88b, 10×4, 2×6) | Aggressive leadership |
| Annabel Sutherland | 2/69 (10 ov) | Australia’s best bowler |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 119 (93b) | Gave AUS a strong total |
Stats That Made History
- India’s 341 chase is the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
- Rodrigues’ 127* is her career-best and among the top five scores in World Cup knockouts.
- India broke Australia’s 9-match unbeaten streak in the tournament.
- This is India’s 3rd ever Women’s World Cup Final appearance.
Player Reactions
Jemimah Rodrigues:
“This is not just a win - this is for every girl dreaming of cricket. We believed till the end.”
Harmanpreet Kaur:
“We fought as a unit. The belief in that dressing room was unreal. Proud of every single player.”
Alyssa Healy:
“We were outplayed. India deserved this win. Rodrigues’ innings was world-class.”
Why This Win Matters
This wasn’t just about cricket. It was about belief. About an Indian team that stood up to the most dominant side in women’s cricket and conquered them on the grandest stage.
This win has reignited the fire for women’s cricket in India - sparking national pride, boosting support, and inspiring countless young players.
Match Summary
Australia Women: 338 all out (49.5 overs)
- Litchfield 119, Perry 77, Gardner 63
- Deepti 2/73, Shree 2/49
India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
- Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet 89, Richa 26
- Sutherland 2/69, Garth 2/46
India Women won by 5 wickets and advanced to the Final of ICC Women’s World Cup 2025.
The Final Awaits
India’s opponent in the final is RSAW on Sunday in Navi Mumbai at 3 PM.
The dream is alive. One more win, and the Women in Blue could lift their first-ever ODI World Cup.
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