🏏India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final: Jemimah’s Century Creates History
🇮🇳 A Night of History in Navi Mumbai
On a magical evening at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai, India scripted one of the greatest chases in Women’s ODI cricket history. In the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India pulled off a stunning five-wicket victory against defending champions Australia — chasing a monumental 339-run target to reach the final.
Powered by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unforgettable unbeaten 127 and fearless performances from the entire batting order, India shattered multiple long-standing records and rewritten the Women’s World Cup history books.
This victory wasn’t just a win — it was a statement of intent. A declaration that India are here for the trophy.
📊 Summary: Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final
| Match | India vs Australia |
|---|---|
| Venue | Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| Result | India won by 5 wickets |
| Australia | 338 all out (49.5 ov) |
| India | 339/5 (48.4 ov) |
| Player of the Match | Jemimah Rodrigues 🇮🇳 (127* off 134 balls) |
🔥 Australia Set a Fierce Challenge
Australia’s innings was built on the back of Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant century. The young opener showed class and control as she anchored the innings at the top.
Key Australian Contributions
- Phoebe Litchfield — 110 (102)
- Ellyse Perry — 64 (71)
- Ashleigh Gardner — 57 (46)
Partnership after partnership pushed Australia into a dominant position. At 250/2, a 360-plus total looked guaranteed.
But India’s bowlers fought back admirably at the death, chipping away with crucial wickets and ensuring the target remained within the realms of possibility.
Still, 338 all out in 49.5 overs felt massive — and history was against a successful chase.
🎯 India’s Chase: Fearless, Fluent, and Full of Fire
India needed a dream start — and they got one.
Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma launched India ahead rapidly, ensuring the pressure never mounted early in the innings.
Opening Partnership
- Mandhana & Shafali added 87 runs
- Positive stroke play from both
When Mandhana fell, Rodrigues took charge.
⭐ Jemimah Rodrigues: The Hero India Needed
Jemimah walked in with a calm head and fierce belief. From her first boundary through covers, she looked in total command.
Her innings was a masterclass in:
✅ Strike rotation
✅ Pressure management
✅ Smart counter-attacking
✅ Reading the game perfectly
She kept the required run rate under control while forming partnerships that shaped the chase.
Her match-winning knock:
127 off 134 balls | 14 fours | 0 sixes | 95.0 strike rate*
She became:
- Only the 2nd player in Women’s World Cup history to score a knockout chase century
- The first Indian woman to do so
- The face of India’s greatest ever chase
💥 Partnerships That Broke Australian Hearts
India’s chase was not carried by one player alone — it was a team effort executed beautifully.
| Partnership | Runs | Wicket | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandhana – Shafali | 87 | 1st | Gave fast start |
| Jemimah – Harmanpreet | 102 | 3rd | Stabilized innings |
| Jemimah – Deepti | 74 | 5th | Finished the job |
Every time Australia tried clawing back, India counter-punched.
🏆 History Rewritten: Records That Fell in Navi Mumbai
This wasn’t just a chase — it was the greatest chase in Women’s ODI cricket.
✅ Highest successful run chases in Women’s ODIs
| Target | Team vs Team | Event | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 339 | India vs Australia | WC 2025 SF | ✅ New No. 1 |
| 331 | Australia vs India | WC 2025 | 2025 |
| 302 | Sri Lanka vs South Africa | ODIs | 2024 |
✅ First 300+ chase in a Women’s World Cup knockout match
A milestone that will be remembered for generations.
✅ Highest chase in Women’s World Cups
A record that belongs fully to India now.
🏏 Australia’s Winning Streak Comes to a Halt
Australia had been unbeatable in the Women’s World Cup for 15 straight matches — a dominant era that stretched across two tournaments.
Last Women’s World Cup defeat?
➡️ 2017 Semi-Final vs India
History repeated itself.
So did heartbreak for Australia.
🔄 Turning Points of the Match
1️⃣ India restricted Australia under 350 despite being 250/2
2️⃣ Smart batting powerplay usage by India
3️⃣ Jemimah’s 50–100 acceleration phase
4️⃣ Australia’s fielding errors under pressure
5️⃣ Calm finishing by lower-middle order
Every moment swung the momentum — and India seized each opportunity.
🇮🇳 India Reach Their Third World Cup Final
India’s previous Women’s World Cup final appearances:
- 🥇 2005 — vs Australia (lost)
- 🥈 2017 — vs England (lost)
- ✅ 2025 — TBD — The dream is alive
This time, the belief feels different.
The confidence feels stronger.
And the hunger — unmistakable.
✨ Why This Win Matters for Indian Cricket
This wasn’t just a semi-final — it was a breakthrough moment:
🎯 India proved they can chase any target
🎯 Young stars stepped up under high pressure
🎯 The team has evolved into a fearless, world-class unit
🎯 A new generation of fans witnessed history live
The emotional reaction across the stadium told its own story.
Tears. Flags. Roars. Pride.
This is what sport is all about.
📈 Jemimah’s Match Impact: A Deeper Look
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Role | Middle-order anchor & finisher |
| Dot ball percentage | Exceptionally low |
| Timing of boundaries | At pressure peaks |
| Partnerships | Built all key stands |
Her maturity at 25 shows she’s entering her prime years — a superstar India can rely on for the next decade.
🧠 Tactical Masterclass by India
Coach and captain deserve huge praise:
🔹 Bowling plan targeted Australia’s power phase
🔹 Chase strategy avoided panic phase
🔹 Field placements forced errors
🔹 Rotation of strike neutralized spin choke
🔹 Trust placed in young players paid off
A win built with both skill and strategy.
👏 Crowd Support: The 12th Player
The Navi Mumbai crowd was electric:
- 45,000+ fans cheering
- Continuous chants of “India! India!”
- Support never dipped even during tough phases
Players later said the fans made them feel unstoppable.
📰 Reactions Pour In Worldwide
- Analysts called it “the greatest chase in the women’s game”
- Commentators labeled Jemimah “India’s new big-match icon”
- Fans declared “New Queens of Chase”
Cricket was the winner — and the world applauded.
🔮 The Road Ahead: The World Cup Final
India now move onto the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final.
Their third chance.
Their biggest ambition.
Their moment to make history.
Opponents don’t matter.
India have shown they can beat anyone, anywhere.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What was the score in the India vs Australia Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final?
A: India won by 5 wickets while chasing 339 runs.Q2: Who was the Player of the Match?
A: Jemimah Rodrigues for her unbeaten 127.Q3: What records were broken?
A: Highest Women’s World Cup chase, highest Women’s ODI chase, and first 300+ chase in a knockout match.Q4: Where was the match played?
A: Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai.Q5: Has India ever reached a Women’s World Cup final before?
A: Yes — 2005, 2017, and now 2025.✅ Final Thoughts: A Win for the Ages
India’s victory was not merely a cricket match — it was a story of courage, belief, and unshakeable determination.
From Rodrigues’ iconic century
To the team’s unity under pressure
To the fans’ roaring support —
Everything about this night was legendary.
If India go on to lift the trophy…
This semi-final will be remembered as the match where dreams turned real.
