Jemimah Rodrigues produced one of the greatest innings in Women’s World Cup history to take India into the final after chasing down Australia’s 338 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. India completed the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI cricket, driven by Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and her decisive partnerships through the innings.
India were in early trouble at 13 for 1 and then 59 for 2, before Rodrigues joined Harmanpreet Kaur at the crease. The pair rebuilt the innings calmly, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard moving. Their 167-run stand for the third wicket became India’s highest partnership against Australia in a Women’s World Cup match, surpassing Mithali Raj and Punam Raut’s 157-run stand in 2017.
The partnership also broke Australia’s dominance in knockout-stage batting records. Before this match, all five 150-plus stands in Women’s World Cup knockouts belonged to Australian pairs. Rodrigues and Harmanpreet’s stand now sits among the tournament’s elite.
But there was a moment Australia will look back on. In the 33rd over, Alyssa Healy dropped a regulation catch at short mid-wicket after Rodrigues mistimed a slog-sweep off Alana King. Rodrigues was yet to reach her century at that point. The miss proved costly as she carried on to anchor the chase.
Harmanpreet was dismissed for 89, but Rodrigues continued to take charge. Supported by Deepti Sharma and later Richa Ghosh, she kept India ahead of the required rate. In the final overs, she guided Amanjot Kaur calmly as India crossed the target, sparking emotional scenes as Rodrigues broke down after sealing the win.
Earlier, Australia posted 338, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. Ashleigh Gardner added 63 to help Australia reach a formidable total. Shree Charani was India’s most economical bowler, picking two wickets for 49.
After the match, Rodrigues said, “I want to thank Jesus. I couldn’t have carried it alone. The last six months have been tough, and my family has stood by me.” India will face South Africa in the final on November 2.