India’s dream run at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 continued in stunning fashion as Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of a lifetime to power the hosts into the final. Her sublime 127 off 134 deliveries helped India chase down a record total to defeat defending champions Australia by five wickets at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
This victory not only booked India’s third-ever World Cup final appearance — after 2005 and 2017 — but also ensured that a new name will be engraved on the trophy when they face South Africa in the grand finale on Sunday.
Jemimah anchors record-breaking chase
Facing a daunting 340-run target, India got off to a nervy start as Kim Garth struck twice inside the powerplay to dismiss Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana. A smart DRS call by Alyssa Healy saw Mandhana walk back after a faint edge, leaving the hosts reeling at 46/2.
Jemimah, however, stood firm. In perfect control from the start, she first steadied the innings with Mandhana and then forged a monumental 167-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who played a brilliant 89. Their stand shifted the momentum entirely in India’s favour as the duo rotated strike smartly and punished loose deliveries to keep the required rate in check.
Just as the pair seemed to be cruising, Annabel Sutherland broke the partnership by removing Harmanpreet. Yet, Jemimah remained unflappable, reaching her maiden World Cup century with a composed boundary — a moment that brought the crowd to its feet.
Richa Ghosh (26) and Deepti Sharma (24) added crucial runs in the closing stages before Amanjot Kaur (15*) sealed the chase in style with a boundary, completing India’s most memorable pursuit in Women’s ODI history.
Litchfield’s ton sets up Australia’s big total
Earlier in the day, Australia had piled up a formidable 339 after opting to bat first, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s breathtaking 119 — her maiden Cricket World Cup hundred. Litchfield and Ellyse Perry (77) combined to take the defending champions to a commanding 180/1 before India’s spinners struck back.
Amanjot Kaur broke the partnership by dismissing Litchfield, while Sree Charani produced a game-changing spell, removing Beth Mooney and Annabel Sutherland in quick succession. Radha Yadav then cleaned up Perry to further dent the Aussies’ progress.
Despite late fireworks from Ashleigh Gardner (63 off 54), Australia’s total proved just short of defending against India’s inspired batting display.
For India, Sree Charani (2/49) led the bowling effort, supported by Deepti Sharma and Kranti Gaud, who claimed key breakthroughs early on.
A date with destiny in Navi Mumbai
With this triumph, India will now face South Africa in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 Final — a matchup that guarantees a new champion in women’s cricket. For Jemimah Rodrigues, this innings not only cements her status as one of India’s modern greats but also symbolizes the grit and composure of a team chasing history on home soil.