Jemimah Rodrigues’ magnificent 127 guides India to historic World Cup final, ends Australia’s 16-match streak
PTC Web Desk: India’s long pursuit of an ICC Women’s World Cup crown continues, but with renewed fire and belief. On a glittering evening at Navi Mumbai’s Dr DY Patil Stadium, the Indian women’s cricket team delivered a performance for the ages, toppling Australia by five wickets in a dramatic semi-final that will be remembered for its poise, power, and purpose. At the heart of India’s triumph was Jemimah Rodrigues, whose breathtaking 127 not out off 134 balls transformed the night into a celebration of composure and courage.
Her masterclass not only anchored India’s chase of a daunting 339-run target but also silenced the once-dominant Australian outfit that had gone unbeaten in 16 World Cup matches.
Earlier in the day, Australia looked set to extend their dominance. After being asked to bat first, Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry steadied the innings with a commanding 155-run partnership for the second wicket. Litchfield, dropped early and later reprieved by a bump-ball decision, made full use of her fortune to score a stunning 119 off 93 balls, including 19 fours and three sixes, the fastest century in a Women’s World Cup knockout match. Perry’s composed 77 and a fiery cameo from Ash Gardner (63) pushed Australia to 338 in 49.5 overs.
For India, Shree Charani stood out once again, claiming two crucial wickets for 49 runs in her 10 overs, while Deepti Sharma added two more despite an expensive spell. Yet, fielding lapses and overthrows meant India had a mountain to climb in the chase.
That climb began shakily. Shafali Verma fell early to Kim Garth after a promising start, and Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal via a smart review from Alyssa Healy left India wobbling. But the partnership that followed between Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues changed the narrative completely.
The duo combined precision with power, adding 167 runs, the highest partnership against Australia in World Cup history. Harmanpreet, fighting through cramps, unleashed a captain’s knock of 89 off 94 balls, featuring ten boundaries and two sixes, before falling to Annabel Sutherland just as India seemed in control.
With 80 runs needed off the last 10 overs, the pressure was immense. Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh played vital cameos, the latter thrilling the crowd with audacious strokeplay, including two towering sixes off Ash Gardner. When Richa departed for a brisk 26, Jemimah held her nerve, guiding India with elegance and maturity well beyond her years.
Her century, her first in a World Cup and third of the year, was a blend of grace and grit. Each stroke oozed calm assurance, and as she steered India home in 48.3 overs, unbeaten on 127, the crowd erupted. Amanjot Kaur’s two boundaries in the penultimate over sealed a famous victory, sparking wild celebrations as India booked their place in the final against South Africa on November 2.
- With inputs from agencies
