India shattered Australia’s title defence and stormed into the Women’s World Cup final after Jemimah Rodrigues produced a stunning unbeaten 127-run masterclass to seal a five-wicket win in the second semi-final on Thursday.
At the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Australia elected to bat first and posted a formidable 338 all out, with Phoebe Litchfield (119) leading the charge and Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner contributing crucial half-centuries.
However, Rodrigues’ brilliant innings — decorated with 14 fours — anchored India’s record-breaking chase, completing the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history with nine balls to spare. The victory ensures a new world champion will be crowned when India faces South Africa in Sunday’s final.
“It feels like a dream that hasn’t sunk in yet,” said an emotional Rodrigues, named Player of the Match, after guiding India home in the tense run chase.
Earlier, Litchfield’s 93-ball knock had powered Australia to a strong position at 159-1 halfway through their innings. Despite a few dropped catches by India, including one by wicketkeeper Richa Ghosh, Indian bowlers fought back, with Amanjot Kaur and Deepti Sharma claiming key wickets to restrict Australia under 340.
In reply, India faced early setbacks as Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) fell cheaply. But a superb 167-run partnership between Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89) turned the tide in India’s favour.
Australia’s Annabel Sutherland dismissed Harmanpreet before Rodrigues was dropped twice — costly mistakes that sealed Australia’s fate.
Reflecting on the loss, Australian captain Alyssa Healy admitted, “We didn’t finish well with the bat or the ball, and dropped chances cost us dearly. India simply outplayed us.”
India will now aim to capture their first-ever Women’s World Cup title when they meet South Africa in the highly anticipated final.
