Womens T20 World Cup: India stunned the cricketing world at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai by completing the highest-ever chase in Women’s T20 World Cup history, defeating defending champions Australia to secure a place in the final. Chasing a mammoth total of 339, India finished 341 for 5, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, winning by five wickets with nine balls to spare. The victory ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak in Women’s T20 World Cup matches and marked India’s first final appearance since 2017.
Early Pressure in the Women’s T20 World Cup Semi-Final
India’s chase began under immense pressure in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final, with openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma starting aggressively before losing their wickets inside the first ten overs. India were 60 for 2 after the powerplay, compared to Australia’s 72 for 1, leaving the stadium tense.
Walking in at No. 3, Jemimah Rodrigues immediately took charge, steadying the innings in the Womens T20 World Cup knockout scenario. She rotated strike efficiently and punished loose balls, allowing Harmanpreet Kaur to settle. Together, they stitched a 167-run partnership off 156 balls, a decisive foundation for the chase. Rodrigues reached her half-century in 57 balls and went on to score her maiden Women’s T20 World Cup century in 114 deliveries, while Harmanpreet’s 89 included crucial sixes off Tahlia McGrath and Ashleigh Gardner.
Australia’s Strong Total in the Womens T20 World Cup
Earlier, Australia posted 338, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). Litchfield’s fluent strokeplay dominated against both pace and spin, keeping India under pressure throughout most of the innings. At one point, India needed 131 from 106 balls, but the bowlers fought back with 8 wickets for 118 runs in the latter overs of Australia’s innings, keeping the target within reach in the Womens T20 World Cup semi-final.
Key Moments in the Women’s T20 World Cup Chase
Rodrigues’ innings showcased remarkable composure under pressure in the Women’s T20 World Cup. She frequently talked to herself on the field, maintaining focus during the long chase. Harmanpreet’s calculated hitting complemented Rodrigues perfectly, ensuring the run rate stayed around six per over.
Even when Harmanpreet was dismissed for 89 and Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh provided cameo contributions, India’s momentum never faltered. Dropped catches by Alyssa Healy and Tahlia McGrath gave India crucial reprieves, but Rodrigues remained unshaken, guiding India closer to victory in the Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
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The Historic Winning Moment in the Womens T20 World Cup
When Rodrigues struck the winning runs, she celebrated with Amanjot Kaur, collapsing to the pitch before being engulfed by her jubilant teammates. The DY Patil Stadium erupted as India completed a historic chase, marking the first Womens T20 World Cup final without either Australia or England.
India Set for the Women’s T20 World Cup Final
India now face South Africa in the Womens T20 World Cup final on Sunday. The semi-final victory will be remembered not just for the record chase but for the resilience, skill, and composure of Rodrigues and Harmanpreet, whose partnership under immense pressure epitomized India’s fighting spirit in the 2025 Womens T20 World Cup.
