Jemimah Rodrigues stars as India stun Australia to reach final, snapping champions’ winning streak

India storm into Women’s World Cup final as Jemimah Rodrigues scripts iconic chase against Australia.

India’s quest for an ICC crown roared back to life — and in spectacular fashion. Under the gleaming lights of Navi Mumbai, Harmanpreet Kaur’s team pulled off one of their greatest-ever victories, storming into the Women’s World Cup final after ending Australia’s 16-match unbeaten run.

At the Dr DY Patil Stadium, Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion with a career-defining 127*, leading India to a thrilling five-wicket win in the semi-final. The chase — 339 runs, completed with nine balls to spare — marked India’s highest successful run-chase in World Cup history and one that echoed the spirit of Derby 2017, when Harmanpreet’s 171 changed everything for Indian women’s cricket.

Now, with hearts blazing and belief renewed, India march into the November 2 final against South Africa — chasing destiny and a long-awaited global title.

Litchfield’s record ton powers Australia
Opting to bat, Australia got an early scare when Alyssa Healy fell to Kranti Gaud after a reprieve, but Phoebe Litchfield’s dazzling century steadied the innings. Partnering Ellyse Perry (77), Litchfield smashed a breathtaking 119 off just 93 balls — the fastest ton in a Women’s World Cup knockout and her third overall in ODIs.

India’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught as Ash Gardner (63) and late cameos from Tahlia McGrath and Kim Garth pushed Australia to a commanding 338 in 49.5 overs. Shree Charani remained India’s most effective

 bowler with figures of 2 for 49, while Deepti Sharma and Amanjot Kaur chipped in with key wickets but at a heavy cost of runs.

Harmanpreet and Jemimah lead the counterattack
Chasing 339, India suffered an early setback when Kim Garth dismissed Shafali Verma cheaply. Smriti Mandhana’s brief but fluent 24 ended through a sharp review from Healy, leaving India under pressure.

That’s when Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur turned the tide. Mixing composure with controlled aggression, the duo added a record 167-run partnership — the highest against Australia in the tournament’s history. Harmanpreet, battling cramps, played a captain’s knock of 89 off 93 balls before falling to Annabel Sutherland with India still needing 113.
Deepti Sharma’s run-out added tension, but Jemimah stood tall — anchoring the innings with unshakable calm.

Jemimah seals it in style
Bringing up her maiden World Cup century off 115 balls, Jemimah found an ideal ally in Richa Ghosh, whose 26 off 16 reignited India’s momentum. Despite a few nervous moments, including dropped chances, the duo kept the scoreboard moving before Amanjot Kaur’s back-to-back boundaries in the 49th over sealed India’s passage to the final.
Jemimah’s unbeaten 127 — studded with 14 fours — wasn’t just an innings; it was a statement. A performance for the ages, one that ended Australia’s dominance and propelled India toward their shot at history.

Score summary:
Australia: 338 in 49.5 overs (Litchfield 119, Perry 77, Gardner 63; Charani 2/49)

India: 339/5 in 48.3 overs (Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet 89, Richa 26; Sutherland 2/62)

Result: India won by 5 wickets.
Next: Final vs South Africa, November 2.