Navi Mumbai, Oct 30 (UNI) Phoebe Litchfield played an innings of rare quality and composure, guiding Australia Women to a commanding 338 in 49.5 overs against India Women in the second semifinal of the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy here today.
Litchfield’s 119 off 93 balls was the kind of innings that defines a player — crisp driving through the covers, clever use of her feet, and the calm assurance of someone who belongs on the big stage.
At just 22, she batted with the poise of a veteran, milking the Indian attack with effortless precision and timing. Her maiden World Cup century came with a beautifully lofted drive over mid-off, drawing applause from partner Ellyse Perry and the Australian dugout.
Together, Litchfield and Ellyse Perry stitched a magnificent 155-run partnership for the second wicket after skipper Alyssa Healy’s early exit for 5. Perry’s 77 (88 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes) was a reminder of her class and composure — a perfect foil to the free-flowing Litchfield.
Once the foundation was laid, Ashleigh Gardner provided the finishing touch with a ferocious 63 off 45 balls, peppered with four boundaries and as many sixes. Her late charge ensured Australia surged past 330 despite a flurry of wickets in the final overs.
For India, Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma picked up two wickets apiece, while Kranti Gaud, Amanjot Kaur, and Radha Yadav took one each. The Indian fielders showed flashes of brilliance — Richa Ghosh was involved in three dismissals, including two runouts in the closing overs — but the bowlers lacked consistency against the Australian onslaught.
From the moment Litchfield unfurled her first cover drive, it felt like a long day ahead for India. Every time a bowler erred in line or length, she was quick to punish. Perry’s calm presence and Gardner’s power-hitting only compounded the misery for Harmanpreet Kaur’s side.
Now, chasing 339 in a high-pressure semifinal, India’s top order will need to find both rhythm and courage. Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma must give the team a flying start, while Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues will have to anchor the middle overs if India are to stay alive in the contest.
Australia, once again, have shown why they remain the gold standard in world cricket — disciplined, ruthless, and unrelenting when it matters the most.
