India Women Smash Record Biggest Ever Chase to Stun Australia and Storm into World Cup 2025 Final

India Women Smash Record Biggest Ever Chase to Stun Australia and Storm into World Cup 2025 Final

Navi Mumbai, Thursday: In a breathtaking display of grit and skill, the Indian women’s cricket team etched their name in history by pulling off the biggest run chase in women’s cricket ever, successfully hunting down 339 against Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at DY Patil Stadium. Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of a lifetime with an unbeaten 127, guiding India to a sensational 5-wicket victory in 48.3 overs and booking a spot in the final.

This monumental India Women record chase surpassed all previous benchmarks in women’s ODIs, showcasing the depth and resilience of Harmanpreet Kaur’s squad. Australia, the most decorated team in World Cup history, posted 338/10 in 49.5 overs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s century and fifties from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. But India’s response was nothing short of extraordinary, rewriting the narrative of women’s cricket chases.

The victory not only avenged past heartbreaks against Australia but also signaled India’s arrival as a dominant force in global cricket. Rodrigues reached her century in 115 balls, blending caution with aggression, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed a fiery 89. The win has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, with fans and experts hailing it as one of the greatest ODI chases in history.

Australia’s Formidable Innings: Litchfield, Perry, Gardner Shine

Winning the toss, Australia elected to bat and laid a solid foundation despite an early blow. Captain Alyssa Healy fell for just 5 to pacer Kranti Goud, but Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry stitched together a commanding 155-run partnership for the second wicket. Litchfield raced to a brilliant hundred before being dismissed by Amanjot Kaur, while Perry played a classy knock of 77, falling to spinner Radha Yadav.

Ashleigh Gardner accelerated the innings with a quickfire 63, but was run out by a sharp throw from Goud. Beth Mooney contributed 24 before Sri Charani struck, and Annabel Sutherland was also removed by the same bowler. Late-order resistance came from Kim Garth (17) and Alana King (4), but disciplined Indian bowling and sharp fielding restricted Australia to 338 - a total that looked imposing but ultimately conquerable.

India’s bowling attack, led by Amanjot Kaur (2 wickets), Radha Yadav, Deepti Sharma, and Kranti Goud (run-outs), maintained pressure throughout. The fielding unit was electric, with direct hits and sharp catches reflecting intense preparation. This collective effort kept Australia from crossing 350, setting the stage for India’s historic record chase in women’s cricket.

India’s Chase: Early Jitters to Rodrigues Masterclass

The chase began on a shaky note. Openers Shafali Varma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) were dismissed early by Kim Garth, leaving India reeling at 40/2. The pressure was immense - 299 runs needed from 42 overs with eight wickets in hand. But captain Harmanpreet Kaur walked in with intent, joining Jemimah Rodrigues in a partnership that changed the game’s complexion.

The duo added 167 runs for the third wicket, with Harmanpreet playing aggressively and Rodrigues anchoring the innings. Harmanpreet smashed 89 off 84 balls, including powerful drives and lofted shots, before falling to Annabel Sutherland. Her dismissal brought a brief moment of tension, but Rodrigues stayed unshaken, farming the strike and finding boundaries at will.

Richa Ghosh played a crucial cameo of 26, rotating strike and hitting boundaries under pressure. Amanjot Kaur remained unbeaten on 15, ensuring no further damage. Rodrigues finished with 127* off 128 balls, including 12 fours and a six - a knock of maturity, composure, and match-winning brilliance. The winning runs came with 9 balls to spare, triggering wild celebrations at DY Patil Stadium.

Jemimah Rodrigues: From Promise to World Cup Hero

Once labeled a prodigy, Jemimah Rodrigues delivered when it mattered most. Her unbeaten 127 is now the highest individual score in a successful 300+ chase in women’s ODIs. Known for her elegant strokeplay and calm demeanor, Rodrigues absorbed pressure, rotated strike during quiet phases, and accelerated when required. Her partnership with Harmanpreet was a masterclass in pacing a record-breaking chase.

Rodrigues dedicated the victory to her team and fans, saying, “This is for every girl who dreams of playing for India.” Her innings has been hailed as one of the finest in World Cup history, drawing comparisons with legendary chases by Sourav Ganguly and MS Dhoni in the men’s game. At 25, Rodrigues has announced herself as India’s crisis solver and future leader.

Her ability to bat deep, manage bowling changes, and finish games under pressure makes her an invaluable asset. This performance will be studied in coaching manuals as the blueprint for high-pressure chases. Rodrigues’ journey from domestic cricket to World Cup stardom inspires millions of young girls across India to take up the sport.

Harmanpreet Kaur: Captain Courageous Leads from Front

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played one of her finest World Cup knocks, scoring 89 off 84 balls. Walking in at 40/2, she took calculated risks, targeting spinners and using the sweep effectively. Her aggressive intent lifted the dressing room and allowed Rodrigues to settle in. Even after her dismissal, her energy in the dugout kept the team motivated.

Harmanpreet has now scored over 600 runs in World Cup knockouts, a testament to her big-match temperament. Her leadership has transformed India into a fearless unit, willing to chase any total. This victory validates her aggressive captaincy and selection choices, including promoting Rodrigues and trusting young bowlers like Sri Charani and Kranti Goud.

Her post-match comment - “We back ourselves to chase anything now” - reflects the confidence coursing through the team. Harmanpreet’s journey from Punjab villages to leading India into a World Cup final is a story of resilience, determination, and unyielding belief.

Bowling Heroes: Amanjot, Deepti, Radha Turn the Screw

While the batting stole headlines, India’s bowlers deserve equal praise. Amanjot Kaur picked up 2 crucial wickets and effected a run-out. Deepti Sharma dismissed Alana King, maintaining control in the middle overs. Radha Yadav removed the dangerous Ellyse Perry, breaking the backbone of Australia’s innings. Sri Charani’s double strike dismissed Mooney and Sutherland, shifting momentum.

The fielding unit, led by sharp work from Kranti Goud and Jemimah Rodrigues (run-outs), was outstanding. Every catch was taken, every throw accurate. This all-round performance underlines India’s evolution into a complete cricketing unit, capable of dominating in all departments.

Coach Amol Muzumdar’s strategies - using spinners in the middle overs and deploying pacers in bursts - worked to perfection. The think tank’s planning, combined with player execution, dismantled a batting lineup that had posted 400+ earlier in the tournament.

Historic Chase in Context: Biggest in Women’s Cricket History

India’s 339/5 is now the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history, surpassing England’s 338/5 against New Zealand in 2018. It is also the first 300+ chase in a World Cup knockout. The previous record for India was 281 against Australia in 2017. This victory breaks Australia’s 7-match winning streak in World Cup semifinals.

Key stats from the chase:

• Highest team total chased in women’s ODIs: 339
• Highest partnership in a 300+ chase: 167 (Harmanpreet-Rodrigues)
• Jemimah’s 127* – highest individual score in successful 300+ chase
• India’s 3rd 300+ total in women’s ODIs
• First time Australia bowled out under 50 overs in World Cup 2025

This performance elevates India Women to a new pedestal, proving they belong among the elite. The mental barrier of chasing big totals against Australia has been shattered. The team now enters the final with momentum, confidence, and a billion dreams riding on their shoulders.

Road to the Final: India’s World Cup 2025 Campaign

India topped their group with 7 wins in 8 matches, defeating South Africa, England, and Pakistan convincingly. Key performers included Smriti Mandhana (450+ runs), Harmanpreet Kaur (400+ runs), and Deepti Sharma (15 wickets). The team’s net run rate and bonus points ensured a semifinal spot early.

This semifinal win adds to India’s growing legacy in World Cups. Runners-up in 2017 and 2005, India now has a golden chance to claim their first title. The final will be played at the same venue, giving India home advantage and familiar conditions.

The BCCI has announced cash rewards, and state governments are planning felicitation ceremonies. Young girls across India are inspired, with cricket academies reporting surge in female enrollments. This victory is more than a match win - it’s a movement for women’s sports in India.

What’s Next: Final Awaits, History Beckons

India will face the winner of the second semifinal in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final. The team remains focused, with recovery and strategy sessions underway. Harmanpreet emphasized mental freshness, while Rodrigues spoke of enjoying the moment before preparing for the ultimate challenge.

The DY Patil Stadium is set to host another blockbuster. Tickets are sold out, and millions will watch worldwide. India’s record chase in women’s cricket has set the stage for a potential fairytale ending. Can they lift the trophy? The nation waits with bated breath.

This victory belongs to every fan who believed, every coach who trained, and every girl who dared to dream. India Women have not just chased 339 runs - they have chased history. And they’re not done yet.