India’s skipper Harmanpreet Kaur once again proved why she’s one of the most dependable batters in world cricket. In the 2nd Semi-Final of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet led India’s chase with a brilliant knock of 89 runs off 88 balls, forming a record-breaking partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | India Women vs Australia Women, 2nd Semi-Final, ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 |
| Venue | Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai |
| Date | Thursday, October 30, 2025 |
| Toss | Australia Women won and chose to bat |
| Australia’s Score | 338 all out (49.5 overs) |
| India’s Score (at time of dismissal) | 226/3 (35.2 overs) |
| Result (in progress) | India Women need 113 runs in 88 balls |
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Innings Breakdown
Harmanpreet Kaur came to the crease when India was struggling at 59/2 after the early dismissals of Shafali Verma (10 off 5) and Smriti Mandhana (24 off 24). The pressure was immense as India chased a mammoth 339-run target, but the captain took charge alongside Jemimah Rodrigues.
Her Knock at a Glance
| Statistic | Performance |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 89 |
| Balls Faced | 88 |
| Fours | 10 |
| Sixes | 2 |
| Strike Rate | 101.14 |
| Partnership | 167 runs (with Jemimah Rodrigues) |
| Dismissal | Caught by Ashleigh Gardner, bowled by Annabel Sutherland |
Harmanpreet mixed aggression with control — punishing loose deliveries while rotating the strike efficiently. Her innings included fluent cover drives, powerful pulls, and a few well-timed lofted shots down the ground. She was particularly dominant against the Australian spinners, using her feet beautifully to disrupt their rhythm.
The Record-Breaking Partnership with Jemimah Rodrigues
The duo of Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues stitched together a 167-run stand for the third wicket, which became:
- The highest 3rd-wicket partnership for India Women in World Cup knockouts
- The first-ever 150+ partnership for India in Women’s World Cup knockout history
Their partnership brought India from a precarious position into real contention. The crowd at Navi Mumbai roared with every boundary as both batters showcased composure and aggression in perfect balance.
The Turning Point: Stunning Catch by Gardner
Just when India looked well in control, a moment of brilliance from Ashleigh Gardner turned the tide.
At 226/2 in the 36th over, Harmanpreet attempted a pull shot off Annabel Sutherland, but mistimed it. Gardner sprinted forward at deep mid-wicket and pulled off a stunning diving catch, ending the captain’s brilliant innings.
The entire stadium fell silent as the Indian skipper walked back, dejected but applauded for her effort. Her innings kept India’s chase alive and gave hope to millions of fans.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Knock in Context
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Most 50+ scores in World Cup knockouts | 3 (Tied with Rachael Haynes & Nat Sciver-Brunt) |
| Highest partnership for India in World Cup knockouts | 167 (with Jemimah Rodrigues) |
| Highest 3rd wicket stand vs Australia in Women’s ODIs | 167 runs |
This innings also continued Harmanpreet’s trend of performing in high-pressure knockout games — recalling her iconic 171 vs Australia in the 2017 World Cup semi-final*. The 2025 version was another example of her leadership, grit, and match temperament.
Crowd and Expert Reactions
The DY Patil crowd witnessed a captain’s masterclass. Even Australian commentators praised her calmness under pressure. Indian coach Amol Muzumdar was seen applauding from the dugout, while teammates cheered every shot from the boundary ropes.
Fans on social media hailed her effort, with many calling it “the knock of the tournament” despite her missing a century by just 11 runs.
Harmanpreet Kaur’s Performance vs Australia (Semi-Final 2025)
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 89 (88) |
| Boundaries | 10 Fours, 2 Sixes |
| Partnership | 167 with Jemimah Rodrigues |
| Dismissal | Caught Gardner, b Sutherland |
| Match Situation | India need 113 off 88 balls when she got out |
Final Thoughts
Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89-run innings was a perfect blend of determination and stroke play. She carried India’s chase almost single-handedly, turning pressure into opportunity. While the match was still in progress when she departed, her innings laid the foundation for what could become one of India’s most memorable World Cup chases.
No matter the result, Harmanpreet’s knock will be remembered as one of the finest captain’s innings in Women’s ODI World Cup history — filled with courage, class, and composure under pressure.
