In a dramatic turn of events during the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final between India and Australia, Smriti Mandhana’s innings ended in a freak dismissal that stunned everyone on the field. Chasing a formidable 339-run target, India began brightly with Mandhana leading the charge. However, in the 10th over, Australia’s Kim Garth delivered a ball down the leg side that was initially called wide by the umpire.
After a brief consultation, Australia captain Alyssa Healy opted for a DRS review. To everyone’s surprise, the UltraEdge showed a faint spike as Mandhana’s bat appeared close to the ball. The decision was overturned, and Mandhana was declared out. The Indian opener stood in disbelief, shaking her head as she walked back, unable to comprehend the bizarre dismissal that halted India’s promising start.
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🚨The ball that dismissed Smriti Mandhana was clocked at 159.6 kmph — absolutely unplayable delivery 🔥#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/SB3q6osKQM
— ICC Asia Cricket (@ICCAsiaCricket) October 30, 2025
Australia’s Batting Powerhouse Dominates The Semifinal
Earlier in the day, Australia’s batting lineup displayed its trademark dominance. Phoebe Litchfield led the charge with a breathtaking 119, supported by seasoned all-rounders Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, who struck 77 and 63 respectively. Their collective brilliance propelled Australia to a mammoth total of 338. Litchfield, who had only one fifty to her name before this match, played with confidence and precision, striking 17 boundaries and three sixes.
Her knock was a blend of elegant strokeplay and aggressive intent. She forged a crucial 155-run partnership with Perry for the second wicket, which laid the perfect foundation for a massive total. Litchfield even survived a moment of confusion when she walked off after believing she was caught, only for the umpires to call her back as replays showed the ball had bounced before reaching the fielder.
India’s Bowling Woes And Fielding Errors Cost Momentum
India’s bowlers endured a tough outing on a flat pitch that offered little assistance. Left-arm spinner Shree Charani was the standout performer, producing a disciplined spell of 2 for 49. Her third spell, yielding figures of 3-0-9-2, helped India momentarily regain control as she dismissed Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland in quick succession. However, inconsistent bowling and several lapses in the field undermined India’s efforts.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s dropped catch early in the innings allowed Healy a reprieve, although the Australian captain didn’t capitalise and was dismissed soon after. Gardner’s explosive cameo of 63 from 45 balls reignited Australia’s innings, ensuring they crossed the 300-run mark. Despite a late collapse from 220 for two to 265 for six, Australia finished strongly, posting a challenging total of 338 with one ball remaining.
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