India Women outclassed Australia Women by five wickets with nine balls to spare in the second semifinal of the ICC Women's ODI World Cup 2025 in Navi Mumbai. With a blazing century from Phoebe Litchfield, a composed knock by Ellyse Perry, and a quickfire half-century from Ashleigh Gardner, Australia set a huge target of 338 for India.

Chasing 339, Jemimah Rodrigues led from the front with an unbeaten 127, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided solid support with 89. Their brilliant partnership helped India reach the target with nine balls remaining. As Rodrigues hit the winning runs, she sprinted towards Amanjot Kaur, lifted her, and lay on the pitch in joy as teammates rushed in to celebrate the historic moment.

Australia’s Early Momentum

Earlier in the day, Australia had looked set for a mammoth score. Healy, returning from a calf injury, was dismissed early, but rain changed the rhythm of the game. After the short break, Australia struck nine boundaries in quick succession.

Ellyse Perry looked composed, rotating the strike and attacking loose deliveries. Her partnership of 155 runs with Litchfield gave Australia control. But once both fell, India’s spinners, especially Charani and Radha Yadav, slowed the scoring rate. Gardner’s quick 50 pushed the total beyond 300, but it wasn’t enough against India’s determined chase.

Litchfield Shines for Australia

Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield had stunned the crowd with her maiden World Cup century. Supported by Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner’s half-centuries, she took Australia to a massive 338. The innings featured elegant strokes, powerful drives, and smart partnerships. However, India’s bowlers fought back strongly in the final overs, taking eight wickets for 118 runs to prevent an even bigger score.

Litchfield’s fluent batting stood out. She was given a reprieve on 62 after replays showed a catch had bounced before reaching the fielder. She went on to score a hundred off just 77 balls. Her innings included reverse sweeps, lofted shots, and even a switch-hit six against Deepti Sharma. She finally fell attempting a scoop off Amanjot Kaur.

A Shaky Start for India

India began the chase with Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma. Shafali started aggressively but was soon trapped lbw by Kim Garth. Mandhana hit a stylish six but fell soon after, leaving India in trouble. By the end of the powerplay, India were 60 for 2 compared to Australia’s 72 for 1.

Rodrigues then joined Harmanpreet, and together they rebuilt the innings. They scored freely, maintaining a steady run rate of around six per over. Rodrigues reached her fifty in 57 balls, while Harmanpreet got hers in 65. Their calm approach kept India in the hunt throughout.

A Missed Catch That Changed the Game

The match could have gone another way if Alyssa Healy had held on to a high catch when Rodrigues was on 82. At that stage, India still needed 131 from 106 balls. That drop proved costly, allowing Rodrigues to guide her side home and into the final, where India will face South Africa.

Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Take Control

Once settled, both batters began to play their shots. Harmanpreet launched two massive sixes — one over extra cover and another over midwicket — to shift the pressure back on Australia. With 150 runs needed from 20 overs, India were in control.

However, a twist arrived when Harmanpreet was dismissed. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh added quick runs, with Ghosh smashing two fours and two sixes before falling. Still, the foundation laid by the 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet ensured India stayed ahead.

A second dropped catch — this time by Tahlia McGrath when Rodrigues was on 106 — sealed Australia’s fate. Rodrigues went on to complete her maiden World Cup hundred off 114 balls, holding her celebration until the job was done.