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Australia’s Record 331 Chase Stuns India; Women’s World Cup Semi-Final Hopes in Danger

Shivansh Rana | 4 min read | 2 days ago | Oct 14, 2025 04:23 pm IST
Australia's Record 331 Chase Stuns India; Women's World Cup Semi-Final Hopes in Danger

It was a tough pill to swallow. In a crucial ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 match on October 13th, India watched as Australia chased down a massive target of 331 runs in Visakhapatnam, pulling off the highest chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history. This stunning 3-wicket loss, coming after another defeat to South Africa, has seriously complicated India’s path to the semi-finals.

Key Takeaways

  • Australia achieved the highest-ever run chase in Women’s World Cup history, scoring 331 to defeat India.
  • India is currently fourth on the points table with 4 points after two wins and two crucial losses.
  • Back-to-back defeats against Australia and South Africa have put India’s semi-final qualification at risk.
  • The top four teams from the group stage advance, with Net Run Rate (NRR) used as a tie-breaker.

The Visakhapatnam Heartbreaker

Look, there’s no other way to put it. That loss against Australia hurt. After posting a formidable score, you’d think India was in the driver’s seat. But the Australian side, led by a blistering 142 from their captain Alyssa Healy, just never gave up. They chipped away at the target relentlessly, and despite losing wickets, they crossed the line. It wasn’t just a loss; it was a record-shattering performance by the opposition that left Indian fans speechless.

This match on October 13th wasn’t just about the 2 points lost. It was a massive psychological blow. Defending 330 should be a winning position almost every single time. But not on that day.

How Did We Get Here?

The Australian defeat was made even worse because it came on the heels of another tough loss. Just days earlier, on October 10th, South Africa managed to chase down 252 against India. At one point, South Africa was struggling at 7 for 153, but an incredible partnership between Chloe Tryon and Nadine de Klerk turned the game on its head. That defeat was the first major sign of trouble for India’s campaign.

So now you have two incredibly difficult losses. One where you couldn’t defend a huge total, and another where you couldn’t close out a game you were dominating. That’s a pattern that has put the team under immense pressure.

The Points Table Puzzle

Here’s the thing about tournament cricket – every single match counts. As of October 14th, India is sitting in fourth place with just 4 points. To make matters worse, other results are squeezing the middle of the table. England’s huge 89-run win over co-hosts Sri Lanka on October 11th sent what sources called “shockwaves to India.” It pushed England to the top of the table and made the competition for the top four spots even more intense.

With the rule being that only the top four teams qualify for the semis, there’s very little room for error. If teams end up on the same points, Net Run Rate (NRR) comes into play. And big losses, like the one against Australia, can seriously damage your NRR.

What’s Next for Team India?

The road ahead is simple but incredibly difficult. India likely needs to win all its remaining group stage matches to secure a spot in the semi-finals without relying on other results or NRR calculations. The pressure is on. The entire nation is watching, hoping the Women in Blue can channel this adversity into a powerful comeback.

Can they bounce back from these defeats? The talent is there, but they’ll need to show immense mental fortitude. What changes do you think the team needs to make for their next game?