Mumbai ( Economy India): After three consecutive defeats that nearly ended their World Cup campaign, the Indian Women’s Cricket Team pulled off one of the greatest turnarounds in World Cup history. Beating seven-time champion Australia, India chased down the highest-ever target in Women’s ODI history to storm into the final of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup.
The emphatic win came at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, where captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues scripted a fairytale comeback, guiding India to a thrilling victory that will be remembered for generations.
From Losing Momentum to Finding Magic
At one stage, India looked out of the tournament. After early wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, the team suffered three straight losses — to South Africa, Australia, and England — losing momentum and confidence.
However, the team bounced back strongly against New Zealand. Centuries from Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal helped India post a massive 340, securing a vital win to reach the semi-final. The final group-stage match against Bangladesh was washed out, setting up a semifinal clash with the undefeated Australian side.
Australia’s Dominance and India’s Determination
Australia entered the semifinal unbeaten, having won six out of six matches with commanding performances. Batting first after winning the toss, they posted 338 runs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s century (100), Ellyse Perry’s 66, and Ashleigh Gardner’s quickfire 63.
It was the second-highest total ever scored in a Women’s World Cup knockout match.
Facing a mammoth chase, India lost openers Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) early. But then came the partnership that changed everything — Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings with a 167-run stand, reviving India’s hopes.
Jemimah’s Brilliance and the Emotional Finish
Skipper Harmanpreet Kaur scored a brilliant 89 off 88 balls, setting up the platform before being dismissed. From there, Jemimah Rodrigues took charge — surviving close chances, dropped catches, and visible fatigue — as she marched towards her maiden World Cup century.
Her courage and composure kept India in the chase. Despite losing partners — Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26) — Jemimah held her ground. With 24 runs needed off 15 balls, the equation was tight, but her precise stroke play turned pressure into opportunity.
A boundary-filled over from Annabel Sutherland brought India within touching distance. Then, Amanjot Kaur struck consecutive fours off Sophie Molineux in the 49th over to seal a record-breaking victory for India.
As the winning shot raced to the boundary, Jemimah broke down in tears, embracing Amanjot in an emotional moment that encapsulated India’s fighting spirit. The skipper Harmanpreet too was seen wiping tears as the dugout erupted in celebration.
Historic Redemption Against Australia
This wasn’t the first time India had ended Australia’s dream run in a World Cup. Back in 2017, Harmanpreet’s unforgettable 171-run knock had knocked Australia out in the semifinal in England.
Eight years later, another Indian batter — Jemimah Rodrigues — did it again, proving India’s resilience against the sport’s most dominant team.
The Road to the Final: India vs South Africa
India now faces South Africa in the final on November 2, 2025, at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. South Africa earned their maiden World Cup final berth by defeating England by 125 runs in their semifinal — a dramatic comeback for a team that was bowled out for 69 in their opening game of the tournament.
This will be India’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup final after 2005 and 2017. Having fallen short both times, the 2025 final offers a golden opportunity to script a new chapter in Indian women’s cricket.
Match Summary: India vs Australia (Semifinal, DY Patil Stadium)
- Australia: 338/6 (Litchfield 100, Gardner 63, Perry 66)
- India: 342/5 in 49 overs (Rodrigues 120*, Harmanpreet 89, Amanjot 22*)
- Result: India won by 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues
Quote Box (For Feature Section):
“We knew it wasn’t over after three losses. This team believed, fought, and made history tonight.”
— Harmanpreet Kaur, Indian Captain
Infographic / Visual Ideas for Economy India Sports Section:
🟣 “India’s Journey to the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final”
- Group Stage: 3 Wins, 3 Losses, 1 NR
- Semifinal: Beat Australia (7-time champions)
- Final: vs South Africa – Nov 2, DY Patil Stadium
🟢 “Jemimah Rodrigues’ Record Knock”
- Runs: 120* (98 balls)
- 4s: 14 | 6s: 2
- Strike Rate: 122.44
(Economy India)
