What a turnaround. In a rollercoaster ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal, India has stormed back into the contest thanks to Sree Charani. The bowler delivered two crucial wickets just when Australia looked set to post an untouchable score in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Key Takeaways
- Sree Charani’s twin strikes dismissed key batters Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland.
- Australia’s Phoebe Litchfield smashed a blistering 119 runs from just 93 balls.
- Both teams wore black armbands to mourn the tragic passing of teen cricketer Ben Austin.
- The winner of this match will face South Africa in the final on November 2.
- Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, putting pressure on India early.
A Somber Start to a Tense Showdown
The match began on a poignant note. Both Indian and Australian players took the field wearing black armbands. The gesture was a heartfelt tribute to 17-year-old Australian cricketer Ben Austin, who tragically passed away after being hit by a ball during a net session earlier in the week.
But the on-field battle began quickly. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Australia looked to dominate. India’s Kranti Gaud provided an early glimmer of hope, dismissing Australian captain Alyssa Healy for just 5 runs. Little did anyone know what was coming next.
Litchfield’s Century Puts Australia in Command
What followed was an absolute masterclass in batting. Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield was unstoppable, tearing through India’s bowling attack. She built a massive 100-run partnership for the second wicket with the experienced Ellyse Perry, who also scored a valuable half-century.
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Litchfield reached her century in breathtaking fashion. She was finally out for a stunning 119 off just 93 balls, an innings packed with 17 fours and three sixes. At that point, Australia looked destined for a mammoth total, leaving Indian fans worried.
Charani’s Strikes Ignite India’s Comeback
Just when Australia seemed to be running away with the game, Sree Charani stepped up. In a game-changing spell, the Indian bowler delivered her now-famous ‘twin strikes’. She first removed the dangerous Beth Mooney, and then quickly sent Annabel Sutherland back to the pavilion.
Those two wickets completely shifted the momentum. The pressure was suddenly back on Australia. Charani’s brilliance brought India roaring back into the semifinal, turning a potential blowout into a nail-biting thriller. Can one bowler truly change the fate of a World Cup match? It looks like she just did.
Expert Analysis
Match analysts are already pointing to Charani’s spell as the definitive turning point. As noted in the live commentary on NDTV Sports, ‘While Litchfield’s century was world-class, Charani’s ability to take two key wickets in quick succession prevented the score from getting out of reach. That’s a champion bowler responding under pressure.’
Her performance neutralized the damage from the Litchfield-Perry partnership. It gave the Indian team the crucial breakthrough they desperately needed to stay in the hunt for a place in the final.
Social Media Storm
The fan reaction online has been electric. The hashtag #INDvAUS was trending worldwide as fans rode the emotional rollercoaster. One moment, fans were praising Litchfield’s ‘unbelievable’ century. The next, social media exploded with praise for ‘comeback queen’ Sree Charani.
Tweets flooded in about the dramatic momentum shift. Supporters went from despair to hope in a matter of minutes, showcasing just how quickly fortunes can change in a World Cup semifinal. The match is far from over, but the belief is back for Team India supporters.
With a spot against South Africa in the final on the line, this match is headed for a dramatic conclusion. Can India complete this stunning turnaround and book their ticket to the final? The final overs will decide everything.