A heroic 127* from Jemimah Rodrigues seals India’s first World Cup Final appearance since 2017 after stunning Australia’s 338.
New Delhi: What a night it was for Indian cricket! Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life, scoring an unbeaten 127 runs, as India defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets in the Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium.
India chased down a huge target of 339 runs, finishing at 341 for 5 in just 48.3 overs — the highest successful chase ever in Women’s World Cup and ODI history.
Rodrigues, who was named Player of the Match, stayed calm under pressure and guided India home with great confidence. She built a brilliant 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 89 off 88 balls. Their partnership changed the course of the match and gave India hope after an early collapse.
Australia Start Strong but Lose Momentum
Batting first, Australia looked in control as Phoebe Litchfield smashed a quick 119 off 93 balls — the fastest century in a World Cup knockout game. She was supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63), helping Australia reach 220 for 2.
But India’s bowlers made a strong comeback. N Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) took key wickets, and Australia were all out for 338 in 49.5 overs after a middle-order collapse.
India’s Dream Chase
India’s chase started shakily when Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) got out early. But Rodrigues and Kaur steadied the innings beautifully. Kaur hit 10 fours and 2 sixes before being caught out, while Rodrigues kept the scoreboard ticking with elegant strokes.
Later, Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15 off 8)* finished the chase in style. A few dropped catches and missed stumpings by Australia proved costly, ending their 15-match winning streak in ODIs.
India Roars Into the Final
With this stunning victory, India have entered their first World Cup final since 2017. They will face South Africa, who defeated England in the first semi-final.
After the match, Rodrigues said, “It feels like a dream come true. Winning for India in front of our home crowd is the best feeling ever.”
Captain Harmanpreet praised the team’s fighting spirit, calling it a “special partnership built on trust and belief.”
The crowd in Navi Mumbai went wild, chanting Jemimah’s name as India celebrated one of their greatest victories in history.
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Hi! I’m Mansi Sharma, 22, a fearless journalist who turns lifestyle, health, and political trends into bold, unforgettable narratives. I don’t just report — I make every story sizzle, spark, and stick.