India Women Defeat Australia to Reach ICC World Cup Finals

Navi Mumbai, India – In a thrilling second semifinal of the ICC Women’s World Cup on October 30, 2025, India Women triumphed over Australia Women by five wickets, ensuring a spot in the final. With nine balls to spare, India chased down a target of 342 runs, overcoming significant pressure.

Jemimah Rodrigues was named Player of the Match for her remarkable innings, scoring 127 runs. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur praised her team’s hard work and ability to persevere through challenging moments. ‘We have that trust that any player can win any match from any situation,’ Kaur said after the match.

Alyssa Healy, the Australian captain, acknowledged her team’s shortcomings. ‘We didn’t finish with the bat well and dropped chances in the field,’ she stated. Despite their strong tournament performance, Australia fell short, marking a surprising exit for the reigning champions.

India started the match with an early setback, losing both openers quickly. However, a partnership between Kaur and Rodrigues stabilized the innings and shifted the momentum. ‘Today was not about my fifty or my hundred; it was about making India win,’ said Rodrigues, reflecting on her performance and the emotional aspect of the game.

The atmosphere was charged not just from the competition but also from a solemn gesture as both teams wore black armbands in memory of 17-year-old Ben Austin, who tragically passed away earlier that day.

As the team celebrated their significant victory on the field, Kaur looked ahead to the final. ‘Playing in a home World Cup is special, and we want to give back to our fans and families,’ she concluded, emphasizing the team’s focus on securing the title.