Australia’s golden run in women’s cricket came to a halt on Thursday night as the defending champions were knocked out of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 following a heartbreaking five-wicket defeat to India in the semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Batting first, Australia looked set for another commanding total when they reached 220 for 2 in the 34th over, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s sublime 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. However, a late collapse saw them bowled out for 338 in 49.5 overs, around 20 runs short of what they might have hoped for.

India, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, produced a stunning chase, the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history, to dethrone the seven-time champions and book a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.

Speaking after the loss, Australian captain Alyssa Healy was candid in her assessment, admitting her side had only themselves to blame for failing to defend the total. “Good contest in the end. Probably reflecting on that, we did that to ourselves a little bit. It’s probably the first time I’ve felt like we’ve done that,” Healy said. “We didn’t finish off with the bat, didn’t bowl that great, and dropped our chances in the field, and still hung in there until the second last over. So, we can take something from that, but ultimately, we were outdone in the end.”

Healy praises Litchfield and Gardner, admits Australia fell short in key moments

Australia’s usually sharp fielding deserted them at crucial moments, with three dropped catches, including two off Jemimah Rodrigues, proving costly. “I think we created enough chances and pressure, but just weren’t able to capitalise. I’m at fault for that as well, and that’s something Australia really prides itself on. We kind of let ourselves down in that regard,” Healy said.

The defeat carried echoes of Australia’s T20 World Cup semifinal loss to South Africa in 2024, something Healy herself acknowledged. “It felt a little bit similar to this time last year, going out not playing the way we wanted to. We’ll learn from that, we’ll grow, and hopefully, our one-day cricket will improve since.”

Despite the disappointment, Healy was proud of her team’s overall campaign and the consistency they displayed through the tournament. “I think we’ve played some unbelievable cricket. Semi-finals are knockout games, if you don’t turn up on that evening, anyone can get you. Every single player contributed at some point, and that’s what makes it sting a little bit more.”

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The 35-year-old also praised the next generation of Australian talent, particularly Phoebe Litchfield, whose classy century at the top of the order stood out in the semifinal. “Phoebe was sensational today, set us off really nicely and went on to make a hundred, which was crucial. It’s been fun to watch her unfold, and the next four years leading into the next ODI World Cup are going to be really exciting.”

Healy also highlighted Ash Gardner’s emergence as a finisher in the middle order, crediting her for “completely owning that No.6, No.7 role” during the tournament.

Healy confirms final ODI World Cup appearance, leaves behind a golden legacy in Australian cricket

In a poignant moment, Healy confirmed that the semifinal was her final appearance in an ODI World Cup. “I won’t be there now, there you go,” she said with a smile. “That’s the beauty of this next cycle. We’re going to see it unfold. There’s a T20 World Cup next year, which is really exciting, but I think our one-day cricket is going to shift a little again. We’ll learn from tonight, grow, and get better.”

Alyssa Healy bows out of ODI World Cups as one of Australia’s modern greats, having played 123 matches and scored 3,563 runs at an average of 35.98, with seven hundreds and 18 fifties, along with countless match-winning contributions behind the stumps and with the bat.

Her legacy, however, will live on, not only through the records she leaves behind but through the fearless, attacking brand of cricket she helped define for Australia’s golden generation.

As India march on to the final, Australia, under Healy’s leadership, walk away knowing that even in defeat, their competitive spirit and commitment to excellence remain unmatched.

In the second Semi-final of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, where India Women are hosting the defending champions and seven-time winners Australia Women at Navi Mumbai, Australia Women recorded the second-highest total in the history of knockout stages in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. 

After winning the toss, Australia Women chose to bat first in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 semi-final against India Women, putting on a commanding show with the bat. They posted a massive total of 338 runs in 49.5 overs, marking the second-highest total in Women's World Cup knockout history.

Notably, the Australian Women’s cricket team also holds the record for the highest total in the knockout stages, 356/5 in 50 overs against England Women during the 2022 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final. This performance once again highlighted Australia Women’s dominance in world cricket, their batting depth, and their consistent success in major ICC tournaments.

See Also: Phoebe Litchfield smashes fastest hundred in Women’s World Cup Knockout against India

Highest totals in the knockout matches of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup

Phoebe Litchfield scored century, Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner added strong half-centuries

In the latest India Women vs Australia Women clash during the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Semi-final, Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield delivered a stunning performance with a memorable century.

The left-handed batter smashed a 77-ball hundred and built a brilliant 155-run partnership with Ellyse Perry for the second wicket, setting the tone for a commanding total. Litchfield ended her innings with 119 runs off 93 balls, hitting 17 fours and three sixes a true masterclass in women’s ODI cricket.

Meanwhile, Ellyse Perry showcased her experience and form against India Women, scoring her first 50-plus knock of the 2025 World Cup with 77 runs off 88 balls, featuring six boundaries and two maximums.

Despite losing wickets in the latter part of the innings, the in-form Ashleigh Gardner played a crucial role in maintaining the scoring momentum, smashing a quickfire 63 off 45 balls with four fours and four sixes. Her impactful innings helped Australia Women post the second-highest total in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup knockout history, reaffirming their dominance in women’s international cricket and their reputation as one of the most successful teams in World Cup history.

On the bowling front, Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) were the pick of the bowlers for India Women, showing grit under pressure.

Additionally, three crucial run-outs reflected India’s sharp fielding efforts, even as Australia’s batting lineup proved too strong in this high-stakes semi-final encounter. The thrilling contest added another memorable chapter to the India vs Australia Women’s cricket rivalry, highlighting world-class performances and the growing competitiveness of women’s cricket globally.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. What record did Australia Women set in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Semi-final?

In the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Semi-final against India Women, Australia Women recorded the second-highest total in knockout stage history. They scored 338 runs in 49.5 overs, reaffirming their dominance in women’s international cricket.

2. Who was the top performer for Australia Women in the 2025 World Cup Semi-final against India?

Phoebe Litchfield was the standout performer for Australia Women, scoring a brilliant 119 runs off 93 balls. She shared a 155-run partnership with Ellyse Perry, who contributed 77 runs, while Ashleigh Gardner added a quickfire 63 off 45 balls.

3. What is the highest team total in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup knockout history?

The highest team total in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup knockout history is 356/5 by Australia Women against England Women in the 2022 World Cup Final. Australia also holds the second-highest total with 338 against India Women in the 2025 Semi-final.

4. How did India Women perform in the 2025 World Cup Semi-final against Australia?

Despite a strong fielding effort with three run-outs and solid bowling performances from Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73), India Women struggled to contain Australia’s powerful batting lineup, which led to a record-breaking total.

5. Why is the Australia Women vs India Women rivalry so significant in women’s cricket?

The rivalry between Australia Women and India Women is one of the most intense in women’s cricket. Both teams have a history of producing high-quality contests, with Australia’s consistency and India’s emerging talent making every encounter, including the 2025 World Cup Semi-final, a thrilling spectacle for fans worldwide.

Australia women finished the league stage of the Women’s World Cup at the top position with six victories in seven clashes at a net run rate of +2.102, while the Indian side ended at the fourth position with just three wins in seven encounters at a net run rate of +0.628. Both these sides will meet each other during the second semifinal of the event on October 30 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.

But what if the Women's World Cup match can’t happen due to the murky weather in Mumbai? The ICC expected rain interruptions in the competition’s knockouts, and reserve days have been kept for each of the clashes. In case of rain, the second semifinal will take place on October 31.

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In case the reserve day gets washed out, the Alyssa Healy-led side will qualify for the final of the Women’s World Cup 2025 on November 02 at the same venue. The defending champions will get the tickets for the final due to finishing as the higher-ranked side in comparison with the Blue Brigade. They are currently unbeaten since the defeat in the 2017 World Cup semifinal against this opponent.

Who will qualify if IND-W vs AUS-W Semi Final 2 of Women's World Cup 2025 gets washed out?

There are a few rules for the reserve day of the second semifinal. First of all, every effort will be made to complete the fixture on the scheduled day with any necessary reduction in the overs. If the 50-over game is interrupted by rain on the scheduled day of the semi-final game and the match is reduced to a few overs, and if no further play takes place after the reduction, then the match will be reverted to a 50-over clash when resumed on the reserve day.

If the play doesn’t begin on the designated day after the overs are reduced, and then the rain returns and play is abandoned, the reduction of overs will be carried to the reserve day. The minimum overs for any result is 20 overs per side.

In the league stage game, several half-centuries from the Indian side take them to 330 in 48.5 overs. But Healy’s 142-run knock with a few more starts from the other end saw Australia comfortably chasing down the total by three wickets and six balls to spare.

India’s former opening batter and coach, Sunil Gavaskar, was furious after he learnt that two Australian women cricketers faced harassment in Indore during the Women’s World Cup 2025. It happened on the eve of their game at the Holkar Stadium against South Africa, where the two players were touched inappropriately by a person on a motorcycle as they were strolling to a café. 

Gavaskar believes that incidents like these will tear the image of the nation, and the accused should face severe punishment. During an interaction with India Today, the former captain hopes to see the guilty person punished.

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“Yes, I think because we are famous for Atithi Devo Bhava, to hear of this is very, very sad. It is, without question, a heinous incident. The law will take its course, but I do hope that the guilty person is punished severely – you lock them up and throw away the key. That’s the only way, I think. Just lock him up and throw the keys away.” Gavaskar expressed on India Today.

Sunil Gavaskar furious at Australian women players facing harassment in Women’s World Cup 2025

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) secretary, Devajit Saikia, condemned the unfortunate incident as he also thanked the Madhya Pradesh police for arresting the accused and asked the security to get more tightened.

“It is a very condemnable but stray incident. India is known for its hospitality and care. We have zero tolerance for such incidents. We appreciate the Madhya Pradesh Police for their prompt action to nab the culprit. Let the law take its course to punish the culprit. We assure to revisit our safety protocols if required to further tighten the security.” Saikia expressed in an official statement.

“No woman should ever have to endure such trauma, and our thoughts and support are with those impacted by this distressing incident. This unfortunate event has deeply affected everyone at MPCA, who cherishes the values of respect, safety, and the dignity of women. It is truly inspiring to see the players rise above this painful experience.” MPCA revealed in a statement.

The 29-year-old Australian leg-spinner Alana King stormed with the ball as South Africa Women had no answers. While the Aussie leggie set up a new bowling record in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history, South Africa Women were bundled out for only 97 runs.

Alana King took seven wickets

It was the match for securing the top position in the points table of the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, as the table topper will face the hosts India Women in the Semi-final of the tournament. After Australia Women chose to bowl first at Indore, they bundled out Proteas for only 97 runs in 24 overs, where Alana King recorded a seven-fer, the very first time in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history.  

In the South African innings, only their opener and skipper Laura Wolvaardt (31), Sinalo Jafta (29), and Nadine de Klerk (14) managed to reach double-digit scores, while there were also three ducks. 

Alana King took four wickets before conceding any runs, as she also had one hat-trick opportunity in that period when she dismissed Annerie Dercksen (5) and Chloe Tryon (0) on back-to-back deliveries. King also dismissed Sune Luus (6), Marizanne Kapp (0), Sinalo Jafta (29), Nadine de Klerk (14), and Masabata Klaas (4). She ended the innings with the bowling figures of 7-2-18-7, as four batters were bowled. 

See Also: Australia players allegedly molested in Indore on return to hotel during Women's World Cup 2025

Alana King recorded best bowling figures in ICC Women's Cricket World Cup as well as for Australia Women in WODI

It is the new record for the best bowling figures in the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup history. The previous record was 8-2-10-6 by Jackie Lord from New Zealand Women against India Women at Auckland in the 1982 edition. 

It is also the best Women's ODI bowling figures for an Australian Women bowler. The previous record was 10-4-22-7 by Ellyse Perry against England Women in the 2019 Canterbury WODI. Also, King recorded the fourth best bowling figures in the Women's ODI history. 

Two players of the Australian women’s side, who are in India to feature in the Women’s World Cup 2025, were molested allegedly in Indore when they were walkin back from their hotel to a café on October 24. Security officers arrived at the place after getting information from the security manager of the team, Danny Simmons, who filed a complaint at the MIG police station in the evening.

After the complaint, the police registered an FIR and arrested the accused, Aqeel Khan, who was on his bike during the incident. The players, who are part of the Australian women’s team at the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, were staying at the Radisson Blu Hotel along with the rest of the squad.

See Also: Two Hat-tricks in one innings!! Services bowlers break 62-year-old record against Assam in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Sub-inspector Nidhi Reghuvanshi revealed that the two cricketers had stepped out of their hotel and were strolling toward the café. That was the time when a man came on a motorcycle and started to follow them. He touched them allegedly in an inappropriate manner and rode off.

Australian players molested by bike rider in Indore during Women’s World Cup 2025

The duo contracted their team security officer, who later coordinated with the local security liaison officers and asked for assistance. After getting the information, the assistant commissioner of police, Himani Mishra, met the two players and recorded their statements and registered a first information report under Section 74 and Section 78 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at the MIG police station.

The official also revealed that a bystander noted that the motorcycle number of the suspended person, named Aqeel Khan, had been apprehended. “Khan has prior criminal cases registered against him, and an investigation is ongoing.” She added.

Australia has already qualified for the semifinal of the World Cup. They are currently at the top of the points table with five wins in six games, including one washout result. They beat India on October 12 by three wickets and will face South Africa in their last group-stage clash at the Holkar Stadium. The result will decide which team ends at the top of the points table.

Australia Women (AUS-W) will take on Bangladesh Women (BAN-W) in Match 17 of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025  at ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam, on Thursday, October 16, 2025.

Australia Women currently holds a strong position at the top of the points table having won three of their four matches in the tournament to this point. The defending champions are in great form and have just recently registered a thrilling win against the India Women with a terrific innings from Alyssa Healy. The Aussies will now hope to continue their terrific run of form and build on their chances of making it to the semi-finals with another solid win.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Women are sixth on the table with a win and three defeats. They faced a difficult loss to South Africa Women in their last match and will now be keen to recover. A victory over the world champions would be a great confidence booster and keep their semi-final hopes alive.

AUS-W vs BAN-W Head-to-Head in ODIs

Australia Women have a perfect record against Bangladesh Women in ODI cricket, winning all four encounters so far.

• Matches Played: 4
• AUS-W Won: 4
• BAN-W Won: 0
• No Result: 0

AUS-W vs BAN-W: Stadium Stats (ODIs)

The ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam, has good batting conditions with better success for teams chasing historically.

• Total Matches: 18
• Matches won batting first: 3
• Matches won bowling first: 13
• Average 1st Innings Score: 239
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 216
• Highest Total: 387/5 (50 overs) by IND vs WI
• Lowest Total: 76/10 (39.3 overs) by SL-W vs IND-W
• Highest Successful Chase: 292/5 (48.5 overs) by IND vs AUS
• Lowest Total Defended: 229/5 (50 overs) by IND-W vs SL-W

See Also: Nepal and Oman qualify for T20 World Cup 2026 after strong Asia-EAP campaign

AUS-W vs BAN-W Predicted Playing XIs

Australia Women (AUS-W): Alyssa Healy (c & wk), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt.

Bangladesh Women (BAN-W): Rubya Haider, Fargana Hoque, Sharmin Akhter, Nigar Sultana (c & wk), Sobhana Mostary, Shorna Akter, Fahima Khatun, Nahida Akter, Rabeya Khan, Ritu Moni, Marufa Akter.

Women’s World Cup 2025: Points Table

After the completion of sixteen matches, the updated points table is as follows:

Australia Women suffered a big setback in the 13th match of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 when their star all-rounder Ellyse Perry walked off the field due to a hamstring injury. Perry was batting at 32 off 40 balls when she overextended on a front-foot drive and immediately signalled for the team physio. After assessment, she left the field, showing visible discomfort, leaving a gap in Australia’s middle order.

Earlier, India Women posted a strong total of 330 runs. Openers Pratika Rawal (75) and Smriti Mandhana (80) had put on a 155-run opening partnership that gave India a strong foundation. Harleen Deol (38) and Jemimah Rodrigues (33) then added crucial runs later, enabling India to post a challenging target. Australia began their chase in good style with an 85-run opening stand between Alyssa Healy and Phoebe Litchfield before Dee Perry's injury altered the momentum.

Perry’s injury sent shockwaves through the Australian camp, especially given her recent fitness struggles. Earlier this year, during a bilateral series in India, the 33-year-old had also retired hurt due to a calf issue. Captain Alyssa Healy had previously downplayed those concerns, calling them minor, but Perry’s latest setback has reignited worries over her fitness ahead of crucial World Cup fixtures.

Perry’s Absence Hurts Australia’s Momentum

After Perry left the field, Australia struggled in the middle order. Despite Alyssa Healy scoring a century, wickets fell quickly at the other end. Beth Mooney went for 4 and Annabel Sutherland went for 0, making things tough for the chase. 

Elyse Perry has retired hurt herself due to an over extension of front hammy as per Cricbuzz

Walked off on 32*(40) v IND #RCB pic.twitter.com/VVJW2H1UEQ

— RCB Xtra (@Rcb_Xtra) October 12, 2025

See Also: India Women set new records with 330 total in IND-W vs AUS-W in Women's Cricket World Cup 2025

At the end of the 31st over, Australia were 202/3, needing 129 more runs to chase down India. Perry's absence could have a big impact on Australia's chances of doing well in this match and at the Women's World Cup 2025 overall, as the team would miss her experience and skill in the middle order.

The ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 continues with India Women (IND W) facing Australia Women (AUS W) in Match No. 13 at the ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam on Sunday, October 12.

Indian captain Harmanpreet Kaur's side has just come from their first loss of the campaign by losing to South Africa by three wickets in a very close match. Even with the defeat, the hosts are currently third on the table with two victories from three games, and they will want to get back to winning ways infront of the home crowd. India will rely heavily on Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues for stability, and Deepti Sharma's all-round contribution will be crucial.

In the meantime, defending champions Australia continue to show their strength. After a shaky start in the opening match against Pakistan, Beth Mooney's magnificent century propelled them to a remarkable 107-run victory. The Aussies have since been unbeaten and appear to be well tempered under the leadership of Alyssa Healy. Notably, India and Australia played a three-match ODI series before the World Cup, and the Australians won the series 2-1.

IND-W vs AUS-W Head-to-Head in ODIs

Australia hold a commanding record over India in the 50-over format, having dominated the rivalry for decades.

• Matches Played: 59
• IND-W Won: 11
• AUS-W Won: 48
• No Result: 00

IND-W vs AUS-W: Stadium Stats (ODIs)

The ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium, in Visakhapatnam, has good batting conditions with better success for teams chasing historically.

• Total Matches: 16
• Matches won batting first: 3
• Matches won bowling first: 11
• Average 1st Innings Score: 234
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 208
• Highest Total: 387/5 (50 overs) by IND vs WI
• Lowest Total: 76/10 (39.3 overs) by SL-W vs IND-W
• Highest Successful Chase: 292/5 (48.5 overs) by IND vs AUS
• Lowest Total Defended: 229/5 (50 overs) by IND-W vs SL-W

See Also: Women’s World Cup 2025: Who said what? after ENG-W vs SL-W match 12

IND-W vs AUS-W: Predicted Playing XIs

India Women (IND-W): Pratika Rawal, Smriti Mandhana, Harleen Deol, Harmanpreet Kaur (c), Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (w), Deepti Sharma, Amanjot Kaur, Sneh Rana, Kranti Gaud, Shree Charani

Australia Women (AUS-W): Alyssa Healy (w/c), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Georgia Wareham, Kim Garth, Alana King, Megan Schutt

Women’s World Cup 2025: Points Table

After the completion of twelve matches, the updated points table is as follows:

The India–Australia rivalry in women’s cricket has grown into one of the sport’s fiercest contests, and Aussie skipper Alyssa Healy believes Sunday’s Women’s World Cup 2025 clash in Vizag will add another exciting chapter. India might be feeling the pressure after their loss to South Africa, but Healy made it clear that Australia is not coming to play nice. “India and Australia play each other a lot these days, so the rivalry has really blossomed. We know how much India wants to beat Australia, and we're equally driven to dominate here. That contest has become fierce over the years,” she told JioStar.

Over the last few years, India Women and Australia Women have battled fiercely across formats. From Harmanpreet Kaur’s fireworks in the 2017 World Cup semifinal to India nearly pulling off a historic ODI series win last month, drama has always followed these encounters. India, however, enters this match a bit wounded, with repeated top-order collapses costing them momentum. Still, as Healy acknowledges, India at home is always a strong contender, especially when motivated to prove a point.

Despite Australia being seen as tournament favourites, Healy played down the tag while expressing confidence in her team. “It's news to me that people consider us favourites for this tournament. I think it should actually favour India to take the trophy at home. They're really comfortable in their own conditions and are in a great place to challenge us,” she said.

Healy Confident Ahead of High-Pressure Clash

Healy’s quiet confidence is rooted in experience, reminding herself and her team of Australia’s strong World Cup record, especially in India. “I was reminded before coming here that Australia has never lost a World Cup in India, so no pressure whatsoever! I have really fond memories of the 2013 World Cup, where I was a drinks runner at the Cricket Club of India,” she added.

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As the defending champions walk out at Vizag, it will be a high-stakes clash between two heavyweights: one aiming to retain its crown and the other desperate to claim it. The rivalry continues to intensify, promising a thrilling contest with sparks sure to fly on the field.