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India won two and lost two ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals, with Mithali Raj and Harmanpreet Kaur starring in victories over New Zealand in 2005 and Australia in 2017.
India’s record in ICC Women’s World Cup semi-finals (PTI)
India have had a mixed record in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup semi-finals, winning two and losing twice in their four outings.
As the Women In Blue take on Australia in the second semi-final of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday, here’s a look at how India have fared in the past.
| Year | Opposition | Venue | Result | Margin | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Australia | Delhi | Lost | 19 runs | 24 Dec 1997 |
| 2000 | New Zealand | Lincoln | Lost | 9 wickets | 20 Dec 2000 |
| 2005 | New Zealand | Potchefstroom | Won | 40 runs | 7 Apr 2005 |
| 2017 | Australia | Derby | Won | 36 runs | 20 Jul 2017 |
1997 — Semi-final vs Australia, Delhi
On Christmas Eve of 1997, India faced Australia in the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup in Delhi. The match start was delayed by over two hours due to poor lighting, reducing each side’s game to 32 overs. India won the toss, and captain Pramila Bhatt opted to bowl first. Australia began steadily, with captain Belinda Clark and Joanne Broadbent putting up 66 runs for the opening wicket. Bhatt broke the partnership and took three wickets, ending with figures of 3 for 25. Australia was bowled out for 123 in their 32 overs.
In pursuit of 124, India struggled from the outset, losing wickets rapidly. Chanderkanta Kaul’s 48 was the only significant contribution, as no other batter surpassed 20 runs. Fast bowler Cathryn Fitzpatrick claimed 3 for 18, and India finished at 104 for 9 in 30 overs, falling short by 19 runs.
2000 — Semi-final vs New Zealand, Lincoln
India faced New Zealand in the 2000 World Cup semi-final at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln. Batting first, India was bowled out for a mere 117 runs in 45.2 overs. Purnima Rau top-scored with a patient 67, while Kathryn Ramel stood out for New Zealand with figures of 2 for 12.
New Zealand chased the target easily, reaching 121 for 1 in just 26.5 overs. Anna Smith scored an unbeaten 50 and was named Player of the Match. Neetu David took India’s sole wicket, but the nine-wicket loss ended India’s World Cup campaign.
2005 — Semi-final vs New Zealand, Potchefstroom
In the 2005 World Cup semi-final in Potchefstroom, India faced New Zealand again. Batting first, India scored 204 for 6 in their 50 overs, thanks to Mithali Raj’s brilliant unbeaten 91. Rachel Pullar took 4 for 39 for New Zealand.
In response, New Zealand struggled to gain momentum. Despite Maria Fahey’s 73, they were bowled out for 164 in 43.4 overs. Amita Sharma excelled with the ball, taking 3 for 24. India won by 40 runs and advanced to their first-ever World Cup final. Mithali Raj was named Player of the Match.
2017 — Semi-final vs Australia, Derby
In the 2017 World Cup semi-final at Derby, India met Australia again. Rain reduced the match to 42 overs per side. India captain Mithali Raj won the toss and chose to bat first. Harmanpreet Kaur played one of the greatest innings in women’s cricket history, scoring an unbeaten 171 off just 115 balls, leading India to 281 for 4.
Australia’s chase started poorly, but Alex Blackwell fought back with a quick 90 off 56 balls. Deepti Sharma’s 3 for 59 helped India bowl them out for 245 in 40.1 overs. India won by 36 runs to reach the final. Harmanpreet’s 171* remains the highest individual score by an Indian woman in a World Cup and the highest ever in a knockout match.
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
Navi Mumbai, India, India
October 29, 2025, 20:08 IST
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