HISTORY! India ride on Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur magic to stun Australia, reach ICC Women ODI World Cup 2025 final

Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur produced a record-breaking partnership as India stunned defending champions Australia to reach the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final in Navi Mumbai.

New Delhi:  In a breathtaking semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, India Women scripted history by chasing down a mammoth 339-run target to defeat Australia Women by five wickets. The victory marked the highest-ever successful chase in ICC Women’s World Cup history, sending India into the 2025 final against South Africa.

Litchfield’s Blazing Ton Powers Australia to 338

After winning the toss, Australian skipper Alyssa Healy opted to bat first. While Healy fell early to Kranti Gaud, opener Phoebe Litchfield took complete control, smashing a brilliant 119 off 93 balls studded with 17 fours and 3 sixes. Ellyse Perry anchored the innings with a classy 77 off 88, as the duo added 155 runs for the second wicket.

Later, Ashleigh Gardner’s explosive 63 off 45 balls lifted Australia to an imposing 338 before being bowled out in 49.5 overs. Among Indian bowlers, Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) were the most effective.

India’s Shacky Start and Brilliant Recovery

India’s reply began shakily as both openers Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) departed within the first ten overs. However, what followed was an extraordinary rescue act. Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88) and Jemimah Rodrigues (127 off 134)* put on a match-defining 167-run partnership, mixing calmness with aggression to keep India in the hunt.

Jemimah, Harmanpreet Rewrite History

After Harmanpreet fell just short of a century, Jemimah continued to anchor the chase with mature stroke play and flawless timing. With handy cameos from Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26), India crossed the finish line in 48.3 overs at 341/5, scripting one of the greatest victories in women’s cricket. Jemimah Rodrigues was rightly adjudged Player of the Match for her unbeaten masterclass.

Story Highlights:

1. Highest chase in Women’s World Cup history: India (341/5) beat Australia (338) by 5 wickets.
2. Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 went in vain as Jemimah Rodrigues (127*) stole the show.
3. Harmanpreet Kaur’s captain’s knock of 89 set up the chase.
4. India will face South Africa in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final on Sunday.