India Chase 339! Jemimah Rodrigues' 127* Stuns Australia.
India Wins Semi-Final, Chases 339.India Chase 339! Jemimah Rodrigues' Unbeaten 127 Stuns Australia in World Cup Semi-Final. India Women produced one of the greatest performances in their cricketing history by defeating Australia Women by five wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025.
At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on 30 October 2025, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a sensational unbeaten century to guide India through a challenging target of 339 runs.
Chasing 339, India finished on 341/5 in 48.3 overs, winning with nine balls remaining. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 from 134 deliveries, while Smriti Mandhana contributed an impressive 84 from 76 balls and Richa Ghosh provided a spectacular unbeaten 45 from just 23 deliveries.
Australia had earlier posted a formidable 338/6 in 50 overs, with captain Alyssa Healy scoring 89, Ellyse Perry making 78 and Beth Mooney adding 56.
The victory was more than just another semi-final result. It represented India's determination to overcome previous knockout disappointments and secure a place in the Women's World Cup final.
Chasing 339, India finished on 341/5 in 48.3 overs, winning with nine balls remaining. Rodrigues remained unbeaten on 127 from 134 deliveries, while Smriti Mandhana contributed an impressive 84 from 76 balls and Richa Ghosh provided a spectacular unbeaten 45 from just 23 deliveries.
Australia had earlier posted a formidable 338/6 in 50 overs, with captain Alyssa Healy scoring 89, Ellyse Perry making 78 and Beth Mooney adding 56.
The victory was more than just another semi-final result. It represented India's determination to overcome previous knockout disappointments and secure a place in the Women's World Cup final.
India vs Australia Semi-Final 2025: Match Details
Match: India Women vs Australia Women, 2nd Semi-Final
Tournament: ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025
Date: 30 October 2025
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
Toss: Australia Women elected to bat
Australia Score: 338/6 (50 overs)
India Score: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
Result: India won by five wickets
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls)
Australia Post 338/6 After Powerful Batting Display
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to put India under pressure in this crucial knockout encounter.
Their decision initially appeared successful as Alyssa Healy and Beth Mooney gave Australia an excellent start. The opening partnership provided momentum, allowing the Australian batters to attack India's bowling without taking unnecessary risks.
Healy was particularly impressive, using her experience and aggressive stroke play to find boundaries regularly. Her innings of 89 runs from 87 deliveries provided Australia with a strong foundation.
Mooney supported her captain with a composed 56 from 61 balls. She rotated the strike effectively and punished loose deliveries, helping Australia build a substantial opening partnership.
After Mooney's dismissal, Ellyse Perry joined Healy and continued Australia's attacking approach.
Perry looked comfortable against both pace and spin. Her timing, powerful driving and ability to find gaps made life difficult for India's bowlers. She eventually scored 78 from 65 deliveries, giving Australia another important contribution.
India managed to take wickets towards the end of the innings, with Deepti Sharma and Pooja Vastrakar claiming two wickets each.
Despite India's efforts, Australia finished on an imposing 338/6 after their allotted 50 overs.
The total placed enormous pressure on the Indian batting line-up. However, the home side had no intention of surrendering their opportunity to reach the final.
Smriti Mandhana Gives India a Flying Start
India required 339 runs to win, meaning a strong opening partnership was essential.
Smriti Mandhana immediately demonstrated why she is regarded as one of the most dangerous batters in women's international cricket.
She played with confidence, combining elegant cover drives with powerful shots through the leg side. Her timing was outstanding, and Australia's bowlers struggled to find consistent lines and lengths.
Shafali Verma also contributed with an aggressive 32 from 28 deliveries, helping India establish early momentum.
The opening partnership gave India the platform required for a serious chase. Mandhana continued attacking and brought up an important half-century before eventually falling for 84.
Her dismissal was a significant moment because India still needed substantial runs. Nevertheless, the foundation she had established allowed the middle order to continue believing in the target.
Jemimah Rodrigues Takes Responsibility Under Pressure
Jemimah Rodrigues arrived at the crease with India in a promising position, but the pressure increased as wickets began to fall.
Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 28 before being dismissed by Tahlia McGrath. Deepti Sharma was subsequently run out for four following a costly misunderstanding.
India had moved from a comfortable position into a challenging situation at 230/4.
This was the moment when Rodrigues demonstrated extraordinary concentration and maturity.
Rather than panicking, she focused on rotating the strike, finding gaps and maintaining control of the required run rate.
She combined defensive discipline with attacking stroke play, ensuring that Australia could not completely dominate the middle overs.
Rodrigues gradually increased her scoring rate and reached a magnificent century, celebrating an achievement that had enormous significance for Indian cricket.
Her unbeaten 127 from 134 deliveries included excellent placement, intelligent running between the wickets and carefully selected attacking shots.
It was an innings built on patience, confidence and remarkable mental strength.
Richa Ghosh's Explosive Batting Changes the Match
While Rodrigues provided the stability, Richa Ghosh supplied the attacking power India needed during the final stages.
Ghosh played with tremendous confidence, taking on Australia's experienced bowling attack and putting pressure back on the opposition.
Her unbeaten 45 from just 23 deliveries transformed the closing stages of the chase.
The fifth-wicket partnership between Rodrigues and Ghosh became one of the defining moments of the match. Their contrasting batting styles worked perfectly together.
Rodrigues controlled the innings, while Ghosh attacked the bowlers and accelerated the scoring rate.
Australia struggled to find an effective response as India's batters continued to score boundaries.
India eventually reached the target in 48.3 overs, finishing on 341/5.
Rodrigues remained unbeaten, completing a memorable performance that secured India's place in the World Cup final.
Key Turning Point: Rodrigues and Ghosh's Match-Winning Partnership
The partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Richa Ghosh was arguably the most important phase of India's successful run chase.
At 230/4, Australia had a genuine opportunity to take control of the match. India needed composure, intelligent shot selection and an attacking approach.
Rodrigues provided the composure, while Ghosh delivered the acceleration.
Their partnership demonstrated an important lesson in modern one-day cricket: successful run chases require different players to perform different roles.
Instead of depending on one aggressive batter, India combined controlled accumulation with powerful finishing.
This balance ultimately proved too difficult for Australia to overcome.
India vs Australia Semi-Final 2025: Full Scorecard
Australia Women – 338/6 (50 overs)
BatterRuns
Alyssa Healy 89 (87)
Ellyse Perry 78 (65)
Beth Mooney 56 (61)
Total 338/6
India Women – 341/5 (48.3 overs)
BatterRuns
Jemimah Rodrigues 127* (134)
Smriti Mandhana 84 (76)
Richa Ghosh 45* (23)
Total 341/5
India Bowling Highlights:
Deepti Sharma: 2/58 in 10 overs
Pooja Vastrakar: 2/62 in 9 overs
Australia Bowling Highlight:
Ashleigh Gardner: 2/69 in 10 overs
India won by five wickets with nine balls remaining.
Tactical Analysis: How India Defeated Australia
India's victory was not simply the result of one outstanding individual performance. Several tactical factors contributed to the successful chase.
1. Strong opening partnership
Mandhana and Verma ensured India did not lose early wickets. Their attacking approach reduced the pressure of the enormous target.
2. Rodrigues' exceptional game management
Rodrigues understood when to defend, when to rotate the strike and when to attack. Her ability to remain at the crease throughout the chase was crucial.
3. Ghosh's fearless finishing
Ghosh's aggressive batting disrupted Australia's bowling plans. Her quick scoring allowed India to maintain control during the final overs.
4. Australia's inability to defend a big total
Despite scoring 338, Australia could not consistently take wickets during the most important stages of the chase. Their bowling attack struggled to contain India's partnership-building and late acceleration.
5. India's belief and mental strength
The Indian players maintained their composure despite losing important wickets. Their confidence and determination ultimately made the difference.
What This Victory Means for Indian Women's Cricket
India's victory over Australia carried significance beyond qualification for a major tournament final.
Australia have traditionally been one of the strongest teams in women's international cricket, with a reputation for performing exceptionally well in important matches.
Defeating such a powerful opponent while chasing 339 demonstrated the progress of India's women's team.
It also highlighted the growing depth of Indian women's batting. Players such as Mandhana, Rodrigues and Ghosh offer different qualities, making the batting line-up more adaptable in challenging situations.
For young cricketers watching across India, Rodrigues' performance provided an inspiring example of how patience, discipline and confidence can overcome difficult circumstances.
The result also reinforced the importance of investing in women's cricket, developing young talent and providing players with opportunities to perform on the biggest stages.
Conclusion: Jemimah Rodrigues Leads India to a Historic World Cup Final
India's five-wicket victory over Australia in the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup semi-final will remain a memorable moment for Indian cricket supporters.
Australia's 338/6 looked like a challenging target, but India responded with an outstanding batting performance.
Smriti Mandhana provided the early momentum, Jemimah Rodrigues produced a magnificent unbeaten 127, and Richa Ghosh finished the job with an explosive 45 not out.
Together, they helped India complete a remarkable chase of 339 runs and reach the World Cup final.
Rodrigues deservedly received the Player of the Match award for an innings that combined technical quality, emotional strength and outstanding match awareness.
**What did you think of Jemimah Rodrigues' incredible 127 against Australia? Was this one of the greatest run chases in the history of women's cricket? Share your opinion in the comments!
Rodrigues’ Redemption: A Masterful Century Propels India to a Historic World Cup Final.
Match: 2nd Semi-Final, ICC Women's World Cup
Toss: Australia Women, elected to bat
Result: India Women won by 5 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls)
Scorecard Summary:
Australia Women: 338/6 (50 overs)
Alyssa Healy 89 (87), Ellyse Perry 78 (65), Beth Mooney 56 (61)
Deepti Sharma 2/58 (10 overs), Pooja Vastrakar 2/62 (9 overs)
India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
Jemimah Rodrigues 127* (134), Smriti Mandhana 84 (76), Richa Ghosh 45* (23)
Ashleigh Gardner 2/69 (10 overs)
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was not just a cricket ground on the night of October 30th, 2025; it was a crucible of pressure, a theatre of dreams, and the stage for one of the most audacious and emotionally charged run chases in the history of women’s cricket.
The Prologue: A Colossal Australian Statement
The stage was set for a classic confrontation. Australia, the indomitable force of the women’s game, known for their ruthless efficiency in knockout matches, versus India, the host nation, riding a wave of passionate home support but burdened by the weight of history and past semi-final heartbreaks.
Winning the toss on a pristine batting track, Australian captain Alyssa Healy had no hesitation. "We back ourselves to put a score on the board and apply the pressure," she stated at the toss, a familiar and often successful strategy for her side.
And apply pressure they did. Healy, the big-match player, was in scintillating form from the outset. She and Beth Mooney provided a foundation that was both solid and spectacular. Healy’s trademark square drives and powerful pulls were on full display, while Mooney played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and finding the gaps with clinical precision. The Indian new-ball duo of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar struggled for consistency, their lines and lengths punished mercilessly. The first Powerplay yielded 68 runs without loss, a statement of intent that reverberated around the stadium, momentarily silencing the sea of blue.
The partnership swelled to 121 before Mooney (56), trying to accelerate further, holed out to deep mid-wicket off the canny bowling of Deepti Sharma. The breakthrough brought a roar of relief, but it only ushered in the formidable Ellyse Perry. What followed was a period of pure, unadulterated dominance. Perry, in the form of her life, seemed to be playing on a different surface. Her driving was majestic, her power through the leg-side terrifying. Alongside her captain, who marched to a commanding 89, Perry tore into the Indian bowling attack.
Healy’s dismissal, caught brilliantly by a diving Shafali Verma at cover off Vastrakar, felt like a minor victory. But Perry continued the assault, bringing up a 54-ball fifty and threatening to take the game completely away from India. The middle overs, usually dominated by India’s spinners, were being dictated by the Australian batters. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav were negotiated with respect but also attacked with calculated risk.
It was only through a combination of excellent death bowling from Vastrakar and a flurry of wickets in the final three overs that India managed to somewhat restrain the juggernaut. Perry fell for a magnificent 78, and despite some late hitting, Australia finished on 338/6. It was a colossal total, the highest ever in a Women’s World Cup semi-final. Yet, in the context of a flat deck and short boundaries, it felt just within the realm of the chaseable. The dressing room moods were a study in contrast: Australian confidence was palpable, while Indian resolve was stern, knowing the mountain they had to climb.
The Chase of a Generation: A Symphony of Two Halves
A target of 339 demanded a start of ferocious intent, and in Smriti Mandhana, India possessed one of the most destructive openers in the game. What unfolded in the first 15 overs was a batting masterclass that shifted the momentum decisively. Mandhana was simply sublime. She took a particular liking to Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown, driving on the up with breathtaking elegance and flicking anything on her pads with disdain. Her fifty came up in a blur, off just 41 balls, and the crowd, once anxious, was now in a state of rapture.
At the other end, Shafali Verma played her part, the aggressor in the partnership, smashing 32 off 28 before skying Ashleigh Gardner to mid-off. The foundation, however, was laid. The 89-run opening stand had come in just 12.2 overs, and the required rate, once a daunting 6.78, was now a manageable 6.5.
The dismissal brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease. Her role was clear: be the anchor, the stable force around which the chase would be built. She and Mandhana consolidated, picking off singles and doubles with clever placement, while still punishing the bad ball. Mandhana seemed destined for a century, but on 84, attempting a lofted drive over extra cover off Gardner, she could only find the safe hands of Tahlia McGrath. The stadium fell into a hushed apprehension. 176/2 in the 25th over. The platform was magnificent, but the job was far from done.
The pressure immediately intensified. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain and the nation’s hope, walked in. For a brief period, she and Rodrigues looked settled, taking the score to 215. Then, the twist. Harmanpreet, on 28, was adjudged LBW to a delivery from McGrath that skidded on. She reviewed immediately, but the dreaded "Umpire's Call" on ball-tracking sent her on her way. The air was sucked out of the stadium. 215/3.
Worse was to follow two overs later. The experienced Deepti Sharma, promoted to stabilise, was run out for 4 after a catastrophic mix-up with Rodrigues. The guilt on Rodrigues' face was evident. From a position of command at 176/1, India had slumped to 230/4. The required rate crept above 7.5. The old demons of a middle-order collapse began to whisper.
The Rodrigues Redemption: Grace Under Fire
This was the moment the match was won and lost. This was the crucible in which Jemimah Rodrigues’ innings was forged. The carefree, innovative batter of her youth was gone, replaced by a warrior of immense concentration and emotional control. With the dangerous yet unpredictable Richa Ghosh for company, Rodrigues knew she had to be the rock.
The next ten overs were a lesson in calculated chase-building. Rodrigues farmed the strike expertly, nudging, nurdling, and working the ball into gaps. She brought up her fifty, a vital, gritty half-century, but celebrations were muted. The job was only half done. Ghosh, initially watchful, began to find her range. A six over long-on off Georgia Wareham announced her arrival and shifted the pressure back onto the Australians.
As the overs ticked down, the equation became clearer: 72 needed from 60 balls. The game was in the balance. Healy brought back her premier pacers, Schutt and Brown. Rodrigues, now in the 90s, displayed nerves of steel. She biscovered the fielders with precision, turning ones into twos with desperate running. The moment of personal glory arrived in the 44th over, a deft glide down to third man for a single bringing up a magnificent, career-defining century. She raised her bat to the roaring crowd, a mix of exhaustion and elation on her face, but immediately refocused. The century was a milestone; the win was the mission.
The final powerplay (overs 41-50) became the Richa Ghosh show. Freed from the anchor role, she unleashed a breathtaking assault. Schutt was smashed over extra cover; Brown was whipped over square leg with astonishing power. Rodrigues, feeding her the strike, watched on with admiration. The 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket was a blend of ice and fire, of serene accumulation and explosive power.
The final equation became a formality. With 15 needed from 18 balls, Ghosh (45 off just 23 balls) fell, but her job was done. It was only fitting that Jemimah Rodrigues, the architect, the saviour, the hero, would hit the winning runs. A crisp drive through the covers for four off Annabel Sutherland sealed the deal, sparking wild celebrations on the field and in the stands. India had chased down 339 with five wickets and nine balls to spare.
The Turning Point: The Ghosh Gambit
While Rodrigues’ century was the backbone of the victory, the partnership with Richa Ghosh was the decisive turning point. At 230/4, the momentum was firmly with Australia. The run rate was climbing, and the pressure was immense. Ghosh’s fearless approach forced the Australian bowlers to alter their lengths, taking the pressure completely off Rodrigues. Her 23-ball 45 was an innings of incalculable value, a whirlwind that broke the back of the chase and demonstrated the depth and power of India’s modern batting lineup.
Analysis: Where the Match Was Won
Powerplay Supremacy (Batting): While Australia had a good Powerplay, India’s was explosive. Mandhana and Verma’s 89-run stand negated the early threat and set a platform that allowed the middle order to play with freedom, even under pressure.
The Anchor vs. The Enforcer: India’s batting had clearly defined roles. Rodrigues was the immovable anchor, batting through the innings. Around her, Mandhana was the initial aggressor, and Ghosh was the late-order enforcer. Australia, in contrast, despite several players getting starts, lacked that one batter who could bat through the entire 50 overs after Healy’s dismissal.
Death Bowling Nuance: India, despite conceding 338, bowled exceptionally well in the final three overs, conceding only 25 runs and taking three wickets. This 10-15 run saving proved crucial in the final analysis. Australia’s death bowling, on the other hand, looked rattled by the Ghosh assault and lacked a clear plan.
Handling Pressure: Ultimately, this was a victory of mental strength. India, so often scarred in knockout games, held their nerve. Rodrigues’ innings was a masterclass in mental fortitude, while the young Ghosh played without any fear of failure.
A Nation Exhales, A Dream Realised
As the fireworks lit up the Navi Mumbai sky and the Indian team embarked on a joyous victory lap, the significance of the win sank in. This was more than just a place in the World Cup final. It was a triumph over a cricketing giant, a validation of a team’s growth, and a cathartic release for a nation that has passionately embraced its women cricketers.
For Australia, it was a rare failure in a knockout game. They had done almost everything right, posting a mammoth total, but they ran into an Indian side that refused to be bowed, a side inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime innings from Jemimah Rodrigues.
On a night of heroes, Rodrigues stood tallest. Her unbeaten 127 was not just about the runs; it was about the context, the pressure, the collapse she weathered, and the redemption she authored. She walked in with the hopes of a billion on her shoulders and walked off, bat raised, having carried them all the way to the World Cup final. In the annals of Indian cricket, October 30th, 2025, will be remembered as the night Jemimah Rodrigues became a legend and the Indian women’s team announced its arrival on the very summit of the sport. The final awaits, but for now, a nation celebrates a victory forged in belief and executed with breathtaking brilliance.
1. Who won the India vs Australia Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final?
India Women defeated Australia Women by five wickets in the second semi-final on 30 October 2025.
2. How many runs did Jemimah Rodrigues score against Australia?
Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127 runs from 134 deliveries, earning the Player of the Match award.
3. What was India's target against Australia?
India needed 339 runs to win after Australia scored 338/6 in 50 overs.
4. What was India's final score in the semi-final?
India finished on 341/5 in 48.3 overs, winning with nine balls remaining.
5. How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score?
Smriti Mandhana scored 84 runs from 76 deliveries, providing an excellent start to India's chase.
6. How did Richa Ghosh contribute to India's victory?
Richa Ghosh scored an unbeaten 45 from just 23 deliveries, providing the attacking momentum during the closing stages.
7. Where was the India vs Australia semi-final played?
The match was played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India, on 30 October 2025.
8. Who was the Player of the Match?
Jemimah Rodrigues received the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 127-run innings.
india-vs-australia-womens-world-cup-semi-final-jemimah-rodrigues
Match: 2nd Semi-Final, ICC Women's World Cup
Toss: Australia Women, elected to bat
Result: India Women won by 5 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls)
Scorecard Summary:
Australia Women: 338/6 (50 overs)
Alyssa Healy 89 (87), Ellyse Perry 78 (65), Beth Mooney 56 (61)
Deepti Sharma 2/58 (10 overs), Pooja Vastrakar 2/62 (9 overs)
India Women: 341/5 (48.3 overs)
Jemimah Rodrigues 127* (134), Smriti Mandhana 84 (76), Richa Ghosh 45* (23)
Ashleigh Gardner 2/69 (10 overs)
The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai was not just a cricket ground on the night of October 30th, 2025; it was a crucible of pressure, a theatre of dreams, and the stage for one of the most audacious and emotionally charged run chases in the history of women’s cricket.
Under the blazing floodlights, with a nation’s expectant breath held tight, Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life, an unbeaten 127 that carved her name into legend and propelled India into the World Cup final, exorcising the ghosts of semi-finals past with a stunning five-wicket victory over the reigning champions, Australia.
The Prologue: A Colossal Australian Statement
The stage was set for a classic confrontation. Australia, the indomitable force of the women’s game, known for their ruthless efficiency in knockout matches, versus India, the host nation, riding a wave of passionate home support but burdened by the weight of history and past semi-final heartbreaks.
Winning the toss on a pristine batting track, Australian captain Alyssa Healy had no hesitation. "We back ourselves to put a score on the board and apply the pressure," she stated at the toss, a familiar and often successful strategy for her side.
And apply pressure they did. Healy, the big-match player, was in scintillating form from the outset. She and Beth Mooney provided a foundation that was both solid and spectacular. Healy’s trademark square drives and powerful pulls were on full display, while Mooney played the perfect foil, rotating the strike and finding the gaps with clinical precision. The Indian new-ball duo of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar struggled for consistency, their lines and lengths punished mercilessly. The first Powerplay yielded 68 runs without loss, a statement of intent that reverberated around the stadium, momentarily silencing the sea of blue.
The partnership swelled to 121 before Mooney (56), trying to accelerate further, holed out to deep mid-wicket off the canny bowling of Deepti Sharma. The breakthrough brought a roar of relief, but it only ushered in the formidable Ellyse Perry. What followed was a period of pure, unadulterated dominance. Perry, in the form of her life, seemed to be playing on a different surface. Her driving was majestic, her power through the leg-side terrifying. Alongside her captain, who marched to a commanding 89, Perry tore into the Indian bowling attack.
Healy’s dismissal, caught brilliantly by a diving Shafali Verma at cover off Vastrakar, felt like a minor victory. But Perry continued the assault, bringing up a 54-ball fifty and threatening to take the game completely away from India. The middle overs, usually dominated by India’s spinners, were being dictated by the Australian batters. Deepti Sharma and Radha Yadav were negotiated with respect but also attacked with calculated risk.
It was only through a combination of excellent death bowling from Vastrakar and a flurry of wickets in the final three overs that India managed to somewhat restrain the juggernaut. Perry fell for a magnificent 78, and despite some late hitting, Australia finished on 338/6. It was a colossal total, the highest ever in a Women’s World Cup semi-final. Yet, in the context of a flat deck and short boundaries, it felt just within the realm of the chaseable. The dressing room moods were a study in contrast: Australian confidence was palpable, while Indian resolve was stern, knowing the mountain they had to climb.
The Chase of a Generation: A Symphony of Two Halves
A target of 339 demanded a start of ferocious intent, and in Smriti Mandhana, India possessed one of the most destructive openers in the game. What unfolded in the first 15 overs was a batting masterclass that shifted the momentum decisively. Mandhana was simply sublime. She took a particular liking to Megan Schutt and Darcie Brown, driving on the up with breathtaking elegance and flicking anything on her pads with disdain. Her fifty came up in a blur, off just 41 balls, and the crowd, once anxious, was now in a state of rapture.
At the other end, Shafali Verma played her part, the aggressor in the partnership, smashing 32 off 28 before skying Ashleigh Gardner to mid-off. The foundation, however, was laid. The 89-run opening stand had come in just 12.2 overs, and the required rate, once a daunting 6.78, was now a manageable 6.5.
The dismissal brought Jemimah Rodrigues to the crease. Her role was clear: be the anchor, the stable force around which the chase would be built. She and Mandhana consolidated, picking off singles and doubles with clever placement, while still punishing the bad ball. Mandhana seemed destined for a century, but on 84, attempting a lofted drive over extra cover off Gardner, she could only find the safe hands of Tahlia McGrath. The stadium fell into a hushed apprehension. 176/2 in the 25th over. The platform was magnificent, but the job was far from done.
The pressure immediately intensified. Harmanpreet Kaur, the captain and the nation’s hope, walked in. For a brief period, she and Rodrigues looked settled, taking the score to 215. Then, the twist. Harmanpreet, on 28, was adjudged LBW to a delivery from McGrath that skidded on. She reviewed immediately, but the dreaded "Umpire's Call" on ball-tracking sent her on her way. The air was sucked out of the stadium. 215/3.
Worse was to follow two overs later. The experienced Deepti Sharma, promoted to stabilise, was run out for 4 after a catastrophic mix-up with Rodrigues. The guilt on Rodrigues' face was evident. From a position of command at 176/1, India had slumped to 230/4. The required rate crept above 7.5. The old demons of a middle-order collapse began to whisper.
The Rodrigues Redemption: Grace Under Fire
This was the moment the match was won and lost. This was the crucible in which Jemimah Rodrigues’ innings was forged. The carefree, innovative batter of her youth was gone, replaced by a warrior of immense concentration and emotional control. With the dangerous yet unpredictable Richa Ghosh for company, Rodrigues knew she had to be the rock.
The next ten overs were a lesson in calculated chase-building. Rodrigues farmed the strike expertly, nudging, nurdling, and working the ball into gaps. She brought up her fifty, a vital, gritty half-century, but celebrations were muted. The job was only half done. Ghosh, initially watchful, began to find her range. A six over long-on off Georgia Wareham announced her arrival and shifted the pressure back onto the Australians.
As the overs ticked down, the equation became clearer: 72 needed from 60 balls. The game was in the balance. Healy brought back her premier pacers, Schutt and Brown. Rodrigues, now in the 90s, displayed nerves of steel. She biscovered the fielders with precision, turning ones into twos with desperate running. The moment of personal glory arrived in the 44th over, a deft glide down to third man for a single bringing up a magnificent, career-defining century. She raised her bat to the roaring crowd, a mix of exhaustion and elation on her face, but immediately refocused. The century was a milestone; the win was the mission.
The final powerplay (overs 41-50) became the Richa Ghosh show. Freed from the anchor role, she unleashed a breathtaking assault. Schutt was smashed over extra cover; Brown was whipped over square leg with astonishing power. Rodrigues, feeding her the strike, watched on with admiration. The 109-run partnership for the fifth wicket was a blend of ice and fire, of serene accumulation and explosive power.
The final equation became a formality. With 15 needed from 18 balls, Ghosh (45 off just 23 balls) fell, but her job was done. It was only fitting that Jemimah Rodrigues, the architect, the saviour, the hero, would hit the winning runs. A crisp drive through the covers for four off Annabel Sutherland sealed the deal, sparking wild celebrations on the field and in the stands. India had chased down 339 with five wickets and nine balls to spare.
The Turning Point: The Ghosh Gambit
While Rodrigues’ century was the backbone of the victory, the partnership with Richa Ghosh was the decisive turning point. At 230/4, the momentum was firmly with Australia. The run rate was climbing, and the pressure was immense. Ghosh’s fearless approach forced the Australian bowlers to alter their lengths, taking the pressure completely off Rodrigues. Her 23-ball 45 was an innings of incalculable value, a whirlwind that broke the back of the chase and demonstrated the depth and power of India’s modern batting lineup.
Analysis: Where the Match Was Won
Powerplay Supremacy (Batting): While Australia had a good Powerplay, India’s was explosive. Mandhana and Verma’s 89-run stand negated the early threat and set a platform that allowed the middle order to play with freedom, even under pressure.
The Anchor vs. The Enforcer: India’s batting had clearly defined roles. Rodrigues was the immovable anchor, batting through the innings. Around her, Mandhana was the initial aggressor, and Ghosh was the late-order enforcer. Australia, in contrast, despite several players getting starts, lacked that one batter who could bat through the entire 50 overs after Healy’s dismissal.
Death Bowling Nuance: India, despite conceding 338, bowled exceptionally well in the final three overs, conceding only 25 runs and taking three wickets. This 10-15 run saving proved crucial in the final analysis. Australia’s death bowling, on the other hand, looked rattled by the Ghosh assault and lacked a clear plan.
Handling Pressure: Ultimately, this was a victory of mental strength. India, so often scarred in knockout games, held their nerve. Rodrigues’ innings was a masterclass in mental fortitude, while the young Ghosh played without any fear of failure.
A Nation Exhales, A Dream Realised
As the fireworks lit up the Navi Mumbai sky and the Indian team embarked on a joyous victory lap, the significance of the win sank in. This was more than just a place in the World Cup final. It was a triumph over a cricketing giant, a validation of a team’s growth, and a cathartic release for a nation that has passionately embraced its women cricketers.
For Australia, it was a rare failure in a knockout game. They had done almost everything right, posting a mammoth total, but they ran into an Indian side that refused to be bowed, a side inspired by a once-in-a-lifetime innings from Jemimah Rodrigues.
On a night of heroes, Rodrigues stood tallest. Her unbeaten 127 was not just about the runs; it was about the context, the pressure, the collapse she weathered, and the redemption she authored. She walked in with the hopes of a billion on her shoulders and walked off, bat raised, having carried them all the way to the World Cup final. In the annals of Indian cricket, October 30th, 2025, will be remembered as the night Jemimah Rodrigues became a legend and the Indian women’s team announced its arrival on the very summit of the sport. The final awaits, but for now, a nation celebrates a victory forged in belief and executed with breathtaking brilliance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who won the India vs Australia Women's World Cup 2025 semi-final?
India Women defeated Australia Women by five wickets in the second semi-final on 30 October 2025.
2. How many runs did Jemimah Rodrigues score against Australia?
Jemimah Rodrigues scored an unbeaten 127 runs from 134 deliveries, earning the Player of the Match award.
3. What was India's target against Australia?
India needed 339 runs to win after Australia scored 338/6 in 50 overs.
4. What was India's final score in the semi-final?
India finished on 341/5 in 48.3 overs, winning with nine balls remaining.
5. How many runs did Smriti Mandhana score?
Smriti Mandhana scored 84 runs from 76 deliveries, providing an excellent start to India's chase.
6. How did Richa Ghosh contribute to India's victory?
Richa Ghosh scored an unbeaten 45 from just 23 deliveries, providing the attacking momentum during the closing stages.
7. Where was the India vs Australia semi-final played?
The match was played at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India, on 30 October 2025.
8. Who was the Player of the Match?
Jemimah Rodrigues received the Player of the Match award for her unbeaten 127-run innings.
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