New Delhi, October 24: India’s women’s cricket team scripted history on Thursday as they defeated Australia by five wickets in a thrilling semifinal to book their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final. The high-octane clash saw India chase down a massive total of 339 with nine balls to spare, thanks to a commanding knock by Jemimah Rodrigues (127)* and a captain’s innings from Harmanpreet Kaur (89).
The victory marks one of India’s most memorable wins against the six-time world champions, as the women in blue showcased grit, composure, and teamwork to outclass Australia on cricket’s grandest stage.
Alyssa Healy’s Emotional Reaction: “We Created Pressure but Couldn’t Capitalise”
Australian skipper Alyssa Healy, who was playing in her final ODI World Cup, expressed disappointment after the defeat but praised her team’s collective effort throughout the tournament.
“I think everyone contributed beautifully throughout this tournament. That’s why it’s probably really disappointing to be standing here right now. We created enough pressure and opportunities — we just weren’t able to capitalise on them,” Healy said after the match.
Reflecting on her farewell and the future of Australian cricket, Healy hinted that the team’s one-day approach could evolve in the next cycle, paving the way for younger talents.
“I won’t be there for the next ODI World Cup! But that’s the beauty of this next cycle — we’ll see new faces emerge. Our one-day cricket will probably shift again, and that’s exciting for Australian cricket,” she added.
Healy, one of Australia’s most decorated players, has scored 3,563 runs in 123 ODIs at an average of 35.98 and a strike rate of 99.72, including seven centuries and 18 fifties. In this tournament alone, she accumulated 299 runs in five matches, averaging 74.75, with two hundreds to her name.
Match Summary: India vs Australia Semifinal
Australia won the toss and chose to bat first. After the early dismissal of skipper Healy, Phoebe Litchfield (119 off 93 balls, 17 fours, 3 sixes) and Ellyse Perry (77 off 88 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) stabilized the innings with a 155-run partnership for the second wicket.
India clawed back after dismissing Litchfield, reducing Australia to 265/6. However, Ashleigh Gardner (63 off 45 balls) and Kim Garth (17) added crucial runs, taking Australia to a strong total of 338 in 49.5 overs.
For India, Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) were the standout bowlers, while Amanjot Kaur, Kranti Goud, and Radha Yadav chipped in with a wicket each.
India’s Chase: Jemimah and Harmanpreet Shine Under Pressure
India’s run-chase began shakily, with Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) dismissed early, leaving India at 59/2 in the 10th over. But Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur turned the tide, stitching together a magnificent 167-run partnership for the third wicket.
Jemimah’s elegant stroke play, coupled with Harmanpreet’s controlled aggression, kept India ahead of the required rate. After Harmanpreet’s dismissal, Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15 off 8)* played quick cameos, ensuring India crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand and nine balls remaining.
Jemimah Rodrigues, with her match-winning century, was rightly named ‘Player of the Match.’
What’s Next for India
The historic win propels India into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Final, where they will face the winner of the England vs South Africa semifinal. This will be India’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup final, with hopes high for a maiden title under Harmanpreet Kaur’s leadership.