Australian opener Phoebe Litchfield etched her name into cricketing history during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against India at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. With a scintillating innings of 119 runs off just 93 balls, the 22-year-old became the first player in history to score a century against India in a World Cup knockout match, breaking a 20-year-old record and setting a new benchmark in women’s cricket.
Litchfield’s innings was a masterclass in composure and aggression, featuring 17 boundaries and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 127.96. Her 155-run partnership with veteran Ellyse Perry laid the foundation for Australia’s imposing total of 338 in 49.5 overs—the second-highest score in a Women’s World Cup knockout match.
🏏 Match Summary: ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 Semi-Final
| Team | Innings Score | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | 338 in 49.5 overs | Phoebe Litchfield (119), Perry (55), Gardner (51) |
| India | TBD | Match ongoing/post-match details awaited |
Australia’s aggressive batting display was powered by Litchfield’s record-breaking century and solid contributions from the middle order.
📊 Phoebe Litchfield’s Record-Breaking Knock
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Runs Scored | 119 |
| Balls Faced | 93 |
| Boundaries | 17 fours, 3 sixes |
| Strike Rate | 127.96 |
| Partnership with Perry | 155 runs |
| Record Broken | Youngest player to score century in World Cup knockout vs India |
Litchfield’s innings surpassed previous records held by legends like Mithali Raj and Belinda Clark, highlighting her rapid rise in international cricket.
🧠 Historical Context: Previous Knockout Centuries
| Player Name | Year | Opponent | Runs Scored | Match Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belinda Clark | 2005 | England | 93 | Semi-Final |
| Mithali Raj | 2017 | Australia | 89 | Semi-Final |
| Alyssa Healy | 2022 | England | 170 | Final |
| Phoebe Litchfield | 2025 | India | 119 | Semi-Final |
Litchfield’s century is the first ever against India in a World Cup knockout match, making it a historic feat.
🗣️ Reactions from the Cricketing World
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Ellyse Perry | “Phoebe’s maturity and strokeplay were world-class.” |
| Meg Lanning | “She’s the future of Australian cricket.” |
| Harmanpreet Kaur | “A tough day, but credit to Litchfield’s brilliance.” |
| ICC Officials | “A landmark moment in women’s cricket history.” |
The cricketing fraternity lauded Litchfield’s performance as a defining moment for the sport.
🌟 Player Profile: Phoebe Litchfield
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 |
| Country | Australia |
| Debut Year | 2022 |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Career ODI Average | 48.2 |
| Career Centuries | 3 |
Litchfield’s rapid ascent has been marked by consistency, flair, and a fearless approach to batting.
🏟️ Venue Spotlight: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 55,000 |
| Pitch Type | Batting-friendly with true bounce |
| Historic Matches | IPL finals, Women’s T20 Challenge, World Cup games |
| Atmosphere | Electric crowd support for both teams |
The venue provided the perfect stage for Litchfield’s record-breaking performance.
📌 Conclusion
Phoebe Litchfield’s century in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final against India is more than just a personal milestone—it’s a historic moment that redefines excellence in women’s cricket. As the youngest player to score a century in a World Cup knockout match against India, Litchfield has not only broken records but also inspired a generation of cricketers. Her innings, marked by elegance and aggression, will be remembered as one of the greatest in tournament history.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports and official tournament updates. It does not constitute professional sports analysis or endorsement. All views are for informational purposes only.
