Jemimah Rodrigues’ stunning century powers India to record chase against Australia, to face South Africa in final

India’s Women’s Cricket team pulled off one of the most remarkable run chases in history as they beat seven-time champions Australia by five wickets in the thrilling ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium. This victory opened a memorable chapter in Indian cricket by taking India to the final against South Africa.

Chasing the daunting target of 339, the most successful run in women’s ODIs, India pulled off a dazzling, unbeaten century from Jemimah Rodrigues (127* from 134 balls). The young batsman showed tremendous composure and skill by standing tall even as wickets fell around him.

After winning the toss, Australia posted a formidable total of 338, bolstered by Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive 119 and Ashleigh Gardner’s quick-firing 63. The target looked daunting, especially after openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana were dismissed early, leaving India at 59/2.

Rodrigues, though, teamed up with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88 balls) to post a magnificent 167-run partnership for the third wicket. Kaur’s aggressive yet calculated strikes provided vital momentum. Even after Kaur and Deepti Sharma were dismissed, Rodrigues maintained her composure, expertly found boundaries and led the strike to take the game to the final.

The winning runs were scored with nine balls remaining, sparking jubilant celebrations in the packed stadium. This victory not only knocks out the seemingly invincible Australians, but also secures India’s place in the World Cup final, making memories of earlier knockout disappointments fade away.

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