In Navi Mumbai, India delivered one of the most composed batting performances in women’s cricket history, ending Australia’s long-standing World Cup dominance and securing a place in Sunday’s final on home soil. The highly-anticipated semifinal saw Australia’s unbeaten run finally crack under sustained pressure from India’s top order.
Australia, widely considered the tournament’s most complete unit, entered the knockout stage after dismantling elite sides since their 2022 title campaign. But on Thursday, their trademark precision deserted them in critical moments.
Rodrigues Leads Record Chase
India’s chase of 339 runs—the highest successful pursuit ever recorded in women’s ODIs—was anchored by Jemimah Rodrigues, who delivered the performance of her career. Her unbeaten 127 was the backbone of India’s five-wicket victory, punctuated by calm stroke-making and relentless composure.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur supported her with a gritty 89, the pair adding 167 runs for the third wicket. Later contributions from Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Amanjot Kaur, who struck the winning runs, ensured India crossed the finish line with confidence.
Australia’s Costly Errors
Australian captain Alyssa Healy admitted afterward that her team simply wasn’t sharp enough.
“Ultimately we just weren’t clinical in all three facets,” she said, adding that Australia created opportunities but failed to capitalize. Healy herself struggled behind the stumps, suffering a painful blow to the thumb and dropping a crucial catch when Rodrigues was on 82.
The errors continued. Tahlia McGrath dropped another routine chance in the 44th over, at a time when Australia still had a faint opening to pull the game back.
Litchfield’s Century Not Enough
Phoebe Litchfield spearheaded Australia’s innings with a dynamic 119 from 93 balls. Her range of strokes—down the ground, through the off side, and innovative switch-hits—kept India’s bowlers under constant stress. She survived an early bump-ball review and responded aggressively, reaching her hundred in just 77 deliveries.
She shared a 155-run stand with Ellyse Perry (77), while Ash Gardner accelerated late with 63 off 45. But as wickets fell in clusters, Australia were bowled out with one ball to spare, finishing on 338.
Slippery Field, Rising Pressure
As dew settled across the outfield, Australia’s usually dependable fielding began to unravel. Throws missed their targets, pick-ups were fumbled, and catches slipped through hands. Even Litchfield—who threw herself around to save runs—struggled to grip the wet ball on several key occasions.
A Glimpse of Australia’s Future
Despite the disappointment, Australia believes the setback will ultimately strengthen their group. Players like Litchfield, just 22 with 67 internationals already, represent a bright future.
Healy pointed to similar lessons learned during the team’s 2017 semifinal exit, which preceded their eventual 2022 world title.
Looking Ahead
With the T20 World Cup scheduled in England next year, Australia has seven months to reset and rebuild. Thursday’s result will sting, but history suggests that the reigning powerhouse rarely stays down for long.
For now, cricket’s spotlight shifts to Sunday, where India and South Africa will collide in a fresh championship clash—one without the defending champions present.
And while India celebrates a historic chase, Australia’s next phase is already quietly beginning.