​Navi Mumbai: In an electrifying display of batting might, Team India completed a historic chase to defeat seven-time champions Australia in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday. Chasing a massive 339, India clinched the victory with three balls to spare, marking the highest successful run-chase in the history of the Women’s World Cup knockout matches.

​Australian Innings Sets the Stage

​Australia, after electing to bat first, set a colossal target, thanks to a dazzling century by opener Phoebe Litchfield (119 off 93 balls) and powerful fifties from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). Australia was eventually bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs. Indian spinners Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) managed to pull things back slightly in the middle overs.

​Jemimah Rodrigues Stars in Historic Run Chase

​India’s chase got off to a difficult start, losing early wickets. However, the game pivoted on a sensational partnership between Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and the star of the night, Jemimah Rodrigues.

​Rodrigues played a masterful, career-defining innings, scoring a monumental 127 runs off 134 balls. Her historic century was the anchor of the chase, expertly navigating the high-pressure situation and guiding the scoring rate. Supported brilliantly by Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), whose aggressive knock set the tone, the duo put on a crucial 166-run partnership.

​Despite a nervy finish after Kaur’s dismissal, Rodrigues maintained her composure, taking India tantalizingly close before the lower order completed the task. The successful pursuit of 339 is a testament to India’s batting depth and their resilience under pressure