Mumbai:
India earned a historic place in the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 final after defeating Australia by a convincing margin in the semi-final encounter held at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday. The win marks a significant moment for Indian women’s cricket, demonstrating strategic maturity, improved depth in both batting and bowling, and the team’s ability to hold its nerve in a high-pressure knock-out game.
A commanding performance
Australia, known for their consistency in major ICC tournaments, entered the match with confidence. However, India displayed intent from the opening overs. Batting first, the Indian top order provided a stable foundation, with Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana stitching together a crucial partnership. Their assertive shot selection helped India maintain a steady run rate while avoiding early wickets.
Shafali, in particular, showed no hesitation in taking on the Australian pacers, timing the ball cleanly and rotating strike intelligently. Mandhana supported her well, balancing aggression with careful shot placement. Their partnership set the tone of the innings, forcing Australia into a defensive field spread quite early.
Middle-order resilience
Though India lost quick wickets after the openers departed, the middle-order rose to the challenge. Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the innings with maturity, guiding the team’s scoring pace without unnecessary risks. Contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Richa Ghosh in the later overs ensured India posted a competitive total that gave their bowlers enough to defend.
In the final overs, India accelerated effectively, capitalising on gaps and maintaining wicket stability. The composed yet proactive batting approach helped India reach a score considered challenging against an experienced Australian side.
Bowling excellence seals the game
India’s bowlers executed their defence brilliantly. The pace attack maintained disciplined lines, generating seam movement under lights. The spinners, particularly Deepti Sharma, played a pivotal role in tightening the middle overs. Deepti’s variations and match awareness resulted in crucial breakthroughs that shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour.
The fielding was equally sharp, with well-judged catches and agile boundary saves preventing Australia from building partnerships. Pressure compounded on the Australian batting unit, who struggled to maintain rhythm and rotation of strike.
With wickets falling consistently, Australia were eventually bowled out well below the target, confirming India’s entry into the final. The disciplined team effort showcased India’s evolution into a balanced and tactically aware side capable of winning under pressure.
A historic journey towards the title
This victory holds deeper significance for India. Over the years, India have come close to winning an ICC women’s title on multiple occasions, finishing as runners-up in 2005 and 2017 in the ODI World Cup. The current team has demonstrated not only talent but also composure and strategic clarity.
The squad now carries the hopes of millions as they prepare for the final. Their confidence appears strong, and the team environment reflects cohesion and belief. The final offers India an opportunity to script history and lift their first Women’s ODI World Cup title.
Looking ahead
India will now face the winner of the other semi-final. The coaching staff and captain are expected to maintain focus on consistency in execution, assessing conditions, and making tactical adjustments based on the opponent. Fans across the country are eagerly anticipating the final, hoping to witness a long-awaited triumph.