Rodrigues' Masterclass Seals Epic Win: India Stuns Australia in Highest-Ever World Cup Chase

Navi Mumbai: In a historic showdown at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy, Jemimah Rodrigues orchestrated a magnificent run chase, scoring a sensational 127 not out as India defeated defending champions Australia by five wickets to secure their spot in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final.

India’s victory, achieved with nine balls to spare, marked the highest-ever run chase in Women's Cricket World Cup history, shattering Australia's mammoth total of 338.

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The Australian Onslaught

Earlier, Australia, after opting to bat, posted an intimidating 338 all out, anchored by a blistering century from opener Phoebe Litchfield (119 off 93 balls). Litchfield combined with Ellyse Perry (77 off 88 balls) for a crucial 155-run second-wicket stand, while Ashleigh Gardner (65 off 45 balls) provided the late fireworks.

Indian bowlers struggled on a batting-friendly pitch, with young spinner Shree Charani (2/49 in 10 overs) being the most economical, while Deepti Sharma (2/73) also claimed two wickets.

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India's Record-Breaking Chase

The pursuit of 339 began with a wobble as India lost the aggressive Shafali Verma (10) and the in-form Smriti Mandhana (24) early to the bowling of Kim Garth, leaving the hosts at 59/2.

It was the entry of Jemimah Rodrigues that turned the tide. She joined forces with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur to launch a counter-attack. Jemimah kept the boundaries flowing, reaching her fifty in 57 balls, while Harmanpreet played the anchor role before accelerating. Their partnership flourished, adding a monumental 167 runs for the third wicket—India's highest ever in a Women's World Cup knockout match, surpassing a 2017 record against the same opponent.

Harmanpreet's powerful innings of 89 off 88 balls (10 fours, 3 sixes) ended when Annabel Sutherland broke the stand, but not before the captain completed her third World Cup knockout fifty.

Despite quick wickets of Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26 off 16 balls)—who injected some late aggression—Jemimah stood firm. She brought up her third ODI century (in 115 balls), becoming only the second Indian woman to score a century in a World Cup knockout match.

With 29 runs needed off the last four overs, Jemimah continued her masterful effort. Supported by Amanjot Singh at the end, she guided India home with incredible composure, completing a chase for the ages in the 49th over.

Brief Scores:

• Australia: 338 in 50 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77; Shree Charani 2/49)
• India: 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 127 not out, Harmanpreet Kaur 89; Kim Garth 2/46) (NewsCenter)