Navi Mumbai, October 30, 2025 - In a breathtaking display of skill and composure, Jemimah Rodrigues orchestrated India's historic five-wicket victory against Australia in the Women's World Cup semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium. Rodrigues' unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, coupled with a crucial 89 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, propelled India to chase down a record-breaking 339, securing their spot in the final.
The Women in Blue will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday, November 2nd. This marks India's third appearance in a Women's World Cup final. The victory was particularly sweet, as it ended Australia's 15-match unbeaten streak in World Cups.
Australia, after winning the toss and electing to bat, posted a formidable total of 338 all out in 49.5 overs. Opener Phoebe Litchfield's शानदार 119 off 93 balls laid the foundation, supported by Ellyse Perry's steady 77 and Ashleigh Gardner's explosive 63. The Indian bowlers initially struggled to contain the flow of runs, but Shree Charani's late spell of 2/49 helped peg back the scoring.
India's chase began shakily, with Shafali Verma falling early. Smriti Mandhana contributed 24 before being caught behind. At 59/2, India was in a precarious position, but Rodrigues and Kaur then forged a magnificent 167-run partnership for the third wicket. The duo combined smart running between the wickets with timely boundaries to keep the pressure on the Australian bowlers.
Rodrigues, who was later named Player of the Match, survived two crucial dropped catches. Alyssa Healy dropped her on 82, and Tahlia McGrath failed to hold on to a chance when Rodrigues was on 106. Kaur, visibly exhausted and suffering from cramps, was eventually dismissed for 89, leaving India needing another 113 runs for victory.
Deepti Sharma contributed a run-a-ball 24 before being run out, and Richa Ghosh added a quickfire 26. However, Rodrigues remained calm and composed, anchoring the innings and guiding India closer to the target. With India needing 8 runs from the final 12 balls, Amanjot Kaur sealed the victory with a boundary.
Rodrigues' innings was a blend of elegance and power, featuring 14 boundaries. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure was particularly impressive. This was her first Cricket World Cup century. She became only the second batter to score a century in a Women's World Cup knockout chase. Nat Sciver-Brunt of England was the first, achieving the feat in the 2022 final.
"Feels like a dream," said Jemimah Rodrigues after the match. Her remarkable turnaround is noteworthy, considering she had been dropped from the squad earlier in the tournament. Her performance in the semi-final will be remembered as one of the greatest innings in Women's World Cup history.
