International Cricket 2025: 5 match-winning innings that made the difference

From Ashes heroics to World Cup finals, these six match-winning innings defined international cricket in 2025, shaping results across Tests, ODIs and T20Is.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Travis Head (Image Credit: ICC)

The year 2025 has seen many iconic moments that are etched in the memories of the fans. Starting from India lifting the Champions Trophy to Indian Women's team winning the ODI World Cup to Australia dominating in the Ashes, the moments are unforgettable. The viewers have had a terrific year, watching their favorite cricketers slam centuries and lifting trophies.

Even in franchise cricket, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won their first IPL trophy after 18 years. Overall, it was an incredible year for the game of cricket and will be remembered for a long time. In this article, we will throw light on such innings that will helped their teams win games.

Also read: Indian legend raises concern over restricted telecast of Vijay Hazare Trophy group stage

5 innings that created impact in international cricket in 2025

1. Travis Head vs England - Ashes Test 2025

Travis Head’s counter-attacking century came at a decisive phase of the Ashes Test against England. His innings shifted momentum firmly Australia’s way after early pressure, setting up a match-winning advantage in a series-defining contest.

In the 3rd Test, Head slammed 170 off 219 balls, including 16 boundaries and two sixes. His century helped them put up a mammoth total on the scorecard, that turned out in Australia's favor.

2. Rohit Sharma vs New Zealand - ICC Tournament Final 2025

Rohit Sharma anchored India’s successful chase in an ICC final against New Zealand. His calm control ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate and closed out the match under pressure to secure a major international title.

The former India skipper slammed 76 off 83 balls, inlcuding seven boundaries and three sixes. His match-winning knock helped India beat a strong New Zealand in the team and won the final.

3. Shafali Verma vs South Africa - ICC Women’s World Cup Final 2025

Shafali Verma’s aggressive top-order knock set the tone in the Women’s World Cup final. By taking the attack to the bowlers early, she gave India a commanding platform that proved decisive in a title-winning performance.

Her knock of 87 off 78 balls, including seven boundaries and two sixes. She fell short of 13 runs from scoring a century but it became an impactful innings. She went on to win the Player of the Match award in the final.

4. Yashasvi Jaiswal vs South Africa - ODI Series 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dominant century against South Africa effectively sealed the contest early. His approach combined intent with control, allowing India to chase down the target with ease and underline their dominance in the series.

He slammed an unbeaten 116 runs off 121 balls, including 12 boundaries and two sixes. India chased down the target in 39.5 overs, thanks to his century.

5. Jemimah Rodrigues vs Australia - Women’s Knockout Match 2025

Jemimah Rodrigues played a defining innings under pressure against Australia in the ODI World Cup semi-finals, batting deep and accelerating at the right moments. Her knock helped India post a decisive total and secure a crucial knockout-stage victory.

She scored an unbeaten 127 off 134 runs, including 14 boundaries against the might Aussies. Rodrigues was calm and composed throughout the match and that's the reason why India won the match and qualified for the finals.

Also read: Former India bowler blames Test series loss against SA on Kohli-Rohit transition, makes eye-opening claim

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