India vs Australia Live: Australia Set 339-Run Target as India Fight Back in Final Overs

In a thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final at Navi Mumbai’s DY Patil Stadium, Australia posted a formidable 338 all out in 49.5 overs against India. Despite Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive century threatening a 400-plus total, India’s bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, claiming three crucial wickets in the final over to restrict the seven-time champions.

India vs Australia Live Match Summary

Australia’s Explosive Start

The unbeaten tournament favorites started aggressively, with skipper Alyssa Healy returning from a calf injury to lead from the front. However, it was young opener Phoebe Litchfield who stole the show with a breathtaking maiden World Cup century that had Australia eyeing a 400-run total.

Litchfield’s 119 off 93 balls was a masterclass in aggressive batting, featuring powerful strokes and innovative shot-making. Her partnership with Ellyse Perry laid the foundation for Australia’s imposing total, continuing their remarkable 15-match unbeaten run in ODI World Cups since 2017.

India’s Spirited Fightback

Just when Australia threatened to run away with a mammoth total, India’s bowlers displayed tremendous character. Deepti Sharma emerged as the hero of the final overs, claiming crucial wickets including a golden duck dismissal of Sophie Molineux, who attempted to sweep a yorker-length delivery only to see it clip her leg stump.

The climax came in the 49.5th over when Kim Garth was run out for 17 off 17 balls following a mix-up while pushing for a second run. Amanjot Kaur’s sharp throw combined with Richa Ghosh’s alertness behind the stumps sealed Australia’s innings at 338.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur will be fairly pleased with her team’s efforts in restricting Australia below 340, especially considering the onslaught that had them staring at 400 at one stage.

The Context: Tournament Journey

Australia entered this clash as overwhelming favorites, having stormed through the league stage with six wins and one washout. Their campaign showcased both dominance and resilience—they recovered from 76-7 against Pakistan and successfully chased India’s 330-run target earlier in the tournament.

Australia leg-spinner Alana King captured the challenge perfectly: “You’re not just playing the XI on the field, you’re playing their whole nation. If we stick to our processes with bat and ball, we’ll be in a good position.”

India’s journey has been turbulent, marked by three straight defeats before sneaking into the semi-finals. However, with opener Smriti Mandhana topping the run charts with 365 runs, the hosts possess the firepower for a record chase.

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The Monumental Chase Ahead

India now faces the daunting task of chasing 339 runs at their home ground. While they posted 330 earlier in the tournament (which Australia successfully chased), this target represents an even stiffer challenge against the world’s best bowling attack.

Former India captain Mithali Raj remains optimistic: “It’s a possibility to beat this side.” With Mandhana in sublime form and the passionate Navi Mumbai crowd behind them, India will believe they can pull off a historic upset.

The winner will face South Africa in Sunday’s final, after the Proteas defeated England in Wednesday’s first semi-final in Guwahati.

Stay tuned to our live score updates for India’s chase of this record target.

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