When Amanjot Kaur sliced the ball past backward point, time seemed to freeze. Jemimah Rodrigues ran toward her, arms wide, before collapsing to the ground, tears streaming down her face. Amanjot, calm yet beaming with pride, patted her partner’s back. Around them, Navi Mumbai erupted. The DY Patil Stadium roared like a thunderstorm as India pulled off what many are calling the India vs Australia Women’s World Cup greatest chase.
Beating Australia had long been India’s nemesis in knockout games. But this time, the story was different — this time, they rewrote history.
India vs Australia Women’s World Cup Greatest Chase: The Unthinkable Moment
Cricket fans often ask — when is the right time to go for the kill in a chase? It’s a delicate question, one that has haunted captains and batters alike. For India, that answer had come too late in Indore against England, where a manageable 36 off 30 turned into heartbreak. But this night was different. This night, India was ready.
Setting the Stage: The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
The 2025 Women’s World Cup semifinal was more than just a cricket match; it was a battle of nerves, legacy, and redemption. India had faced Australia multiple times in the past — from the 2017 heartbreak to the 2020 T20 final — and each time, the Aussies had walked away triumphant. But this time, the atmosphere at the DY Patil Stadium whispered something different.
With over 34,000 fans packed in, chants of “India! India!” echoed through the night. Even television viewers could sense the tension.
Jemimah Rodrigues: The Calm Before the Storm
Rodrigues had been the backbone of the Indian innings, guiding them through tough phases with her maiden World Cup century. She looked composed, even graceful under pressure. When India needed 48 off 36 balls, she knew she couldn’t afford a mistake.
Richa Ghosh then took the mantle, smashing Ashleigh Gardner for a six and a four in three deliveries. The scoreboard now read — 34 off 30.
Annabel Sutherland: The Australian Threat
Annabel Sutherland, Australia’s wonder all-rounder, stood tall at the top of her mark. Her presence alone could shift momentum. She bowled her penultimate over, giving away just five runs and removing Richa Ghosh — India’s power hitter — for the second time in the tournament.
Suddenly, the chase turned tricky again. India needed 29 off 24.
Smriti Mandhana’s Dismissal: Silence in Navi Mumbai
When Smriti Mandhana was ruled out caught behind via DRS, a pin-drop silence filled the stadium. The once-vibrant Bucket Hat Cult — India’s most passionate women’s cricket supporters — fell quiet. The tension was tangible.
Walking in now was Amanjot Kaur, facing the ultimate test. India needed a run rate of 7.25 per over. “Should I charge the bowlers, or will you?” she asked Rodrigues with a nervous smile.
The Plan: Patience Over Power
Rodrigues’s reply was calm and calculated: “We’re good runners. Hum nikaal lenge (We’ll get us home).”
It wasn’t about brute force. It was about composure. The pitch was perfect, and they decided to finish the game with an over to spare. Every Indian fan watching held their breath — the ghosts of England’s game lingered.
The Greatest Chase: How India Kept Their Cool Amid the Drama?
The tension was overwhelming. Even in the media box, the sound of frantic typing filled the air. Every boundary, every dot ball mattered.
Sutherland prepared for her 10th over but had to stop mid-run — Amanjot wasn’t ready. The crowd erupted in chants. Amanjot then picked up a two, a single, and a wide — rotating the strike perfectly.
Rodrigues, reading Sutherland like a book, scooped a slower ball past the keeper, then slashed another past backward point. Fifteen runs came from that over.
Now the equation read: 8 off 12.
In the 49th over, Amanjot hit two fours in three balls — sealing the deal. India had done it. The India vs Australia Women’s World Cup greatest chase was complete.
Elation, Emotion, and Euphoria: India Celebrates
The DY Patil Stadium exploded in celebration. The players ran onto the field, their faces wet with tears. This wasn’t just a win — it was redemption, catharsis, and pride rolled into one.
Amanjot later said, “After Richa fell, I remembered England. I didn’t want that again. We stayed calm, trusted each other, and believed till the end.”
Flashback: Lessons from Indore
The heartbreak against England had stung deep. India had learned that taking the game “too deep” could backfire. Amanjot had been there too — her decision to play safe cost them the game. But this time, the mindset was different.
She knew when to accelerate. She knew how to read the bowler. Experience had become her best ally.
Strategic Brilliance: Captaincy at Its Finest
India’s leadership during this chase deserves equal credit. The calmness from the dugout, the clarity of communication, and the trust between the batters — it all contributed to a perfectly executed plan.
The dressing room atmosphere was a mix of tension and belief. The instructions were simple — “Stay composed. Stay smart. Play every ball on its merit.”
The Power of Partnerships
Cricket isn’t about individual brilliance alone — it’s about partnerships that define the match. The Rodrigues–Amanjot stand was exactly that. They didn’t panic. They didn’t overhit. They ran smart, pushed boundaries when needed, and communicated without words.
Their partnership became the backbone of the greatest chase.
Australia’s Missed Opportunities
For Australia, it was a rare off day. Their fielding — usually world-class — had a few hiccups. Missed catches and overthrows gave India the small margins they needed. In knockout games, those moments make all the difference.
Crowd Energy: The 12th Player
Every fan in Navi Mumbai played a role. The Mexican waves, chants, and drums created an electric atmosphere. Players often say the crowd doesn’t bat or bowl, but that night, it surely added adrenaline.
Pressure Moments: Staying Cool Under Fire
Rodrigues’s calmness was perhaps the biggest takeaway. Even when India needed 23 off 18, she smiled, adjusted her gloves, and went about business. Her ability to read Sutherland’s variations gave India the edge.
The Turning Point: Sutherland’s 48th Over
That 48th over — 15 runs — changed everything. It swung the momentum entirely in India’s favor. From a nail-biter to a near certainty, the pressure shifted instantly.
The Match Within the Match: Amanjot vs Sutherland
The duel between these two all-rounders was pure cricketing theater. Both respected each other’s game but weren’t afraid to challenge. Amanjot’s calculated aggression outsmarted Sutherland’s slower deliveries in the final overs.
The Fans’ Perspective
On social media, hashtags like #GreatestChase and #INDvAUS trended globally. Fans from all over the world hailed the match as one of the finest displays of modern women’s cricket. Memes, highlights, and emotional posts flooded Twitter and Instagram.
Media Reactions and Expert Praise
From ESPNCricinfo to BBC Sport, experts called it “a chase that will define a generation.” Former players like Mithali Raj and Lisa Sthalekar praised India’s grit and temperament.
Statistical Snapshot
| Statistic | India | Australia |
|---|---|---|
| Total Runs | 339/6 | 338/7 |
| Run Rate | 6.78 | 6.76 |
| Top Scorer | J. Rodrigues (120) | E. Perry (105) |
| Partnership | 89 (Rodrigues & Amanjot) | 97 (Perry & Healy) |
Why This Win Matters?
It wasn’t just about reaching the final. It was about belief. About proving that India could chase down a mammoth total against the world’s best team under immense pressure.
This victory became a symbol of the changing tide in women’s cricket — fearless, fierce, and full of flair.
Legacy of the India vs Australia Women’s World Cup Greatest Chase
This match will be remembered as a defining moment in Indian cricket history. Much like the 1983 men’s final or the 2011 World Cup win, this chase will inspire countless young girls to pick up a bat and dream big.
The Road Ahead: The Final Awaits
With this win, India secured their spot in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final. The question now: can they go all the way? The momentum is theirs, the confidence is sky-high, and belief is unshakable.
FAQs
1. What was the final score in the India vs Australia Women’s World Cup greatest chase?
India chased down 339 to win by four wickets against Australia in a thrilling semifinal.
2. Who was the top scorer for India?
Jemimah Rodrigues scored a brilliant 120, guiding India through the chase.
3. Who hit the winning runs?
Amanjot Kaur sealed the victory with two stunning boundaries in the 49th over.
4. Where did the match take place?
The match was held at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai.
5. Why is this chase called the greatest?
Because India successfully chased one of the highest totals ever in Women’s World Cup knockout history against the world champions.
6. What was the key turning point?
The 48th over by Annabel Sutherland, where India scored 15 runs, completely shifted the game.
Conclusion
The greatest chase: how India kept their cool amid the drama isn’t just a headline — it’s a story of heart, resilience, and redemption. The India vs Australia Women’s World Cup greatest chase will live on in cricketing folklore as a testament to composure under pressure and the indomitable spirit of Indian women’s cricket.
India didn’t just win a match that night — they won millions of hearts and perhaps, changed the future of the game forever.
