Mumbai: India pulled off one of the greatest wins in women’s cricket history, chasing down a huge 339-run target to defeat defending champions Australia and book their place in the Women’s World Cup final.
Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a stunning unbeaten 127, guiding India to a five-wicket victory at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. The win marks the highest successful run chase ever in women’s ODI cricket and sets up a title clash against South Africa on Sunday.
India was in trouble early at 59/2 after losing openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, but Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur steadied the innings with a brilliant 167-run stand for the third wicket.
India will meet South Africa in the #CWC25 Final 🤩🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Q0SALrqKgX
— ICC (@ICC) October 30, 2025
Harmanpreet fell for a composed 89, but Richa Ghosh’s quick late hitting ensured India crossed the line with nine balls to spare, while Rodrigues kept her nerve to finish the job in style.
“It just feels like a dream, and it’s not sunk in yet,” Rodrigues said, holding back tears after being named Player of the Match. Earlier, Australia posted a strong 338 all out after choosing to bat.
Phoebe Litchfield led the charge with a superb 119, supported by half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. Australia looked set for an even bigger total after reaching 159/1 midway, but India pulled things back with timely wickets late in the innings.
#Final, 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘! 🇮🇳#TeamIndia book their spot in the #CWC25 final on a historic Navi Mumbai night! 🥳👏
Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/ou9H5gN60l#WomenInBlue | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/RCo6FlbXSX
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) October 30, 2025
Despite early breakthroughs, Australia could not contain India’s chase. Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland picked up two wickets each, but dropped catches, including two off Rodrigues, proved costly.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy admitted the team fell short in all departments. “We did not finish well with the bat, did not bowl that great, and dropped chances in the field. Ultimately, outdone in the end,” she said.
