India stormed into the Women’s World Cup final after Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 guided them to a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the second semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The win ended Australia’s title defence and set up a Sunday showdown with South Africa.
Opting to bat first, Australia posted a commanding 338 all out, with opener Phoebe Litchfield smashing 119 and solid contributions from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner. Despite the huge target, India chased down the total — the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history — with nine balls to spare.
Rodrigues Anchors Record-Breaking Chase
Rodrigues played a stunning innings laced with 14 boundaries, steering India through tense phases with calm precision. “It just feels like a dream and it’s not sunk in yet,” an emotional Rodrigues said after receiving the Player of the Match award.
Australia, seven-time champions, had previously chased down a record total against India during the league stage but failed to repeat their magic this time. Litchfield’s 93-ball 119, featuring 17 fours and three sixes, anchored their innings, while Gardner’s 63 pushed them past the 300-mark.
Harmanpreet, Rodrigues Partnership Seals India’s Triumph
India stumbled early as Shafali Verma fell for 10 and Smriti Mandhana departed after a fluent 24. However, a 167-run partnership between Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89) steadied the chase. Despite Harmanpreet’s dismissal short of a century, Rodrigues held her nerve to seal the win.
Australia captain Alyssa Healy admitted her side’s shortcomings, saying, “We didn’t finish well with the bat, didn’t bowl that great, and dropped key chances.”
