Jemimah Rodrigues leads India's record chase to reach ICC Women's World Cup Final
Jemimah Rodrigues produced a masterful unbeaten century as India defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets in the ICC Women's World Cup semi-final at the DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
India's Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur celebrate after winning The result sent India into Sunday's final against South Africa after successfully chasing a record 339.
Rodrigues anchored the innings with an unbeaten 127 from 134 balls, guiding India home with nine balls to spare. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided crucial support with 89 from 88 deliveries, sharing a 178-run partnership that turned the match in India's favour. Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26) also contributed valuable runs as India finished on 341 for 5 in 48.3 overs.
India's chase began shakily, with openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana dismissed early. However, Rodrigues held firm, playing with composure and timing to build momentum through the middle overs. Her innings, marked by calculated stroke play and smart running, ensured India stayed ahead of the required rate.
Earlier, Australia had posted 338 after electing to bat. Phoebe Litchfield led the scoring with 119 off 93 balls, while Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (65) powered the total during strong partnerships in the middle and late overs.
Among India's bowlers, young spinner Shree Charani impressed with figures of 2 for 49 from her ten overs, while Deepti Sharma claimed 2 for 73 despite proving expensive. For Australia, Kim Garth (2 for 46) and Annabel Sutherland (2 for 69) shared the wickets, but none could prevent India's disciplined batting display.
The victory marked India's highest-ever successful chase in a Women's World Cup match and ended Australia's unbeaten run in the tournament. India will now meet South Africa in the final, aiming for their first Women's World Cup title.