India Chases 339 Runs to Beat Australia and Secure Place in World Cup Final

Australia Women have set a formidable target of 339 for India Women in the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Australia Women posted an imposing total of 338 runs, with their innings concluding in the final over at 49.5 overs. As India began their chase, they reached 44 for 1 after 7 overs, still needing a mammoth effort to reach the final. The Australian innings was anchored by a brilliant century from Phoebe Litchfield, who scored 119 off just 93 balls, featuring 17 boundaries and 3 sixes. Her partnership with Ellyse Perry was crucial, as the pair put on more than 150 runs for the second wicket, putting Australia in a commanding position. Perry contributed a solid 77 from 88 deliveries, including six fours and two sixes. Late fireworks came from Ashleigh Gardner, who smashed 63 off 45 balls, ensuring Australia crossed the 300-run mark. India’s bowlers struggled to contain the Australian batters, with only Radha Yadav and Shree Charani making breakthroughs during the middle overs. Charani was responsible for two quick wickets, including Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland. In the final overs, Deepti Sharma took two wickets in consecutive balls, but Australia had already set a daunting total. Chasing 339, India got off to a shaky start as Shafali Verma, returning to the lineup in place of the injured Pratika Rawal, was dismissed LBW for 10 after hitting two boundaries. This early blow forced India to use a review unsuccessfully. Smriti Mandhana, who has been in excellent form throughout the tournament, took charge alongside Jemimah Rodrigues, both looking to stabilize the innings after the early loss. Mandhana showcased her class with a boundary and a towering six, while Rodrigues added a boundary with a flick to mid-wicket. The semifinal highlighted a clear difference in fielding intensity between the two sides, as noted by former IPL batter Abhishek Jhunjhunwala. Australia’s aggressive fielding and sharp throws to the wicketkeeper have given their bowlers a clear edge, putting India under constant pressure. Historically, Australia have been the dominant force in women’s cricket, having won the World Cup seven times. India, on the other hand, are yet to lift the coveted trophy. Their road to the semifinals was mixed, with three wins and three losses, while Australia remained unbeaten except for a rain-abandoned match. Notably, India’s campaign suffered a setback with the injury to Pratika Rawal, whose opening partnership with Mandhana had averaged an impressive 78.21 across 23 innings. Her replacement, Shafali Verma, brings a different style, but the opening pair’s average drops significantly to 37.20. The stakes remain high as India chase a record total to reach the final and keep their hopes of a maiden ICC crown alive. For live updates and detailed statistics, visit ESPNcricinfo’s live coverage.