Post by : Mariam
Al-Faris
Australia, the seven-time Women’s World Cup champions, were knocked out of the 2025 tournament after a shocking semi-final loss to India in Mumbai. The Indian side, powered by a brilliant unbeaten 127 from Jemimah Rodrigues, chased down a massive 339-run target to secure a five-wicket win. The defeat ensured that a new team will lift the trophy in Sunday’s final.
Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy expressed her disappointment after the match, pointing out that her team’s bowling lacked precision at crucial moments. “At the halfway mark, we thought we went okay,” she said. “But we gave away too many loose deliveries that allowed India to build momentum.”
Healy noted that while her team created some opportunities, they failed to make full use of them. “It feels a little bit un-Australian not to be as clinical as we usually are,” she admitted.
Despite her disappointment, Healy gave full credit to India for their exceptional batting display. Jemimah Rodrigues anchored the chase with a calm yet aggressive innings, supported by solid partnerships from the middle order. “India played brilliantly,” Healy said. “They deserved the win and showed how far the women’s game has come.” The result marked one of the biggest upsets in the history of women’s cricket, especially considering Australia’s dominance over the years.
Healy emphasised that Australia’s exit should not overshadow their consistent performances throughout the tournament. She said that the team’s campaign showcased the depth and balance within the squad. “It wasn’t just one person making all the runs or taking the wickets,” she explained. “Everyone contributed in their own way, and there were plenty of positives to take away.”
While Australia’s failure to reach the final was disappointing, Healy remained confident about the team’s future. “We’re playing unbelievable cricket,” she said. “That’s why it doesn’t feel right sitting here as the losing team. ”She added that the squad has a strong foundation and the ability to bounce back. “We have a talented group who can learn from this experience and come back stronger.”
This defeat also means that Australia will end the year without a global title — a rare occurrence for the cricketing powerhouse. They were also eliminated in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup last year, making this a challenging period for the team. “It’s disappointing, but that’s sport,” Healy remarked. “You have to take the losses with the wins.”
Healy reflected on how competitive this edition of the Women’s World Cup has been, describing it as the closest tournament to date. “There were genuinely eight teams that could have reached the finals,” she said. “That’s really exciting for the global growth of women’s cricket. ”She also expressed optimism that a new champion — either India or South Africa — would bring positive change to the game. “Seeing a new winner will do wonders for women’s cricket,” Healy added. “The support the game has received in India has been amazing, and it’s great for the sport’s future.”
As India prepare to take on South Africa in the final, Healy said she will be watching with interest despite the heartbreak of Australia’s early exit. “It’s going to hurt a little bit,” she admitted. “But it’s also going to be great to see a new team lifting the trophy. Hopefully, it inspires the next generation of players around the world.”
Even in defeat, Healy’s message was one of resilience and hope. “We’ve had an incredible journey, and while this one didn’t end the way we wanted, we’ll come back stronger,” she concluded. Australia’s exit may mark the end of a dominant chapter, but it also signals the start of a new era in women’s cricket — one where competition is tighter, and global representation is broader than ever before.
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