Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life as India pulled off a stunning chase to beat Australia in the World Cup semifinal in Navi Mumbai on Thursday (October 30). Chasing a massive 339, India rode on Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and a captain’s knock of 89 from Harmanpreet Kaur to seal a five-wicket win in 48.3 overs and set up a final clash against South Africa on Sunday.
Earlier, Australia posted 338 — their highest total of the tournament — thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s quickfire 63. But India’s spirited batting display turned what looked like a lost cause into one of their most famous victories in recent memory.
Australia pile up 338 after Litchfield’s century
Opting to bat first, Australia got off to a positive start through Litchfield, who struck four boundaries inside five overs even as captain Alyssa Healy struggled for timing. Healy was dropped early by her Indian counterpart but couldn’t make it count, playing on to Kranti Gaud for 5.
Litchfield, though, continued in sublime touch and found good support from Perry. The pair added 155 for the second wicket, frustrating the Indian bowlers. Litchfield brought up her fifty off 45 balls and went on to score her maiden World Cup century, while Perry played the perfect anchor.
After dominating the first half of the innings, Australia lost momentum when Amanjot Kaur dismissed Litchfield for 119 and Radha Yadav bowled Perry for 77. From 220/2, the visitors slipped to 243/5. But Gardner’s explosive 63 from just 33 balls, featuring four sixes, helped Australia finish strong with 85 runs in the last 10 overs before being bowled out in 49.5 overs.
India’s chase — Rodrigues and Harmanpreet lead the way
India’s reply began brightly with Shafali Verma, returning from injury, hitting a couple of boundaries before falling to Kim Garth for 10. Smriti Mandhana tried to build momentum but perished for 28, leaving India 59/2 in the 10th over.
Rodrigues then took charge, timing the ball beautifully and rotating the strike with calm assurance. Harmanpreet Kaur, after a cautious start and a missed stumping chance, began to find her rhythm. Together, they built a partnership that turned the game on its head.
The duo added 167 runs for the third wicket — a stand full of elegant strokes and smart running. Rodrigues reached her fifty in the 25th over, and Harmanpreet followed soon with a fluent half-century. Both players matched Australia’s scoring rate, taking India past 200 in the 32nd over.
Just as the pressure was easing, Harmanpreet fell for 89 to a stunning catch from Gardner. But by then, the damage was done — India were well on course at 222/3.
Rodrigues completes her century, Ghosh finishes in style
Deepti Sharma gave Rodrigues good support as the chase entered its final phase. Rodrigues brought up her century off 115 balls, combining grace with grit. Richa Ghosh then played a vital cameo, smashing 26 off 15 balls, including two sixes and two fours, to bring India closer.
Even after a few late hiccups — including Deepti’s run-out and Ghosh’s dismissal — Rodrigues stayed composed. With 15 needed off 15 balls, she played two delicate boundaries before Amanjot Kaur finished things off with back-to-back fours.
India reached 341/5 in 48.3 overs to complete a memorable five-wicket victory — their highest successful chase in World Cup history.
Brief scores
Australia: 338 in 49.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77, Ashleigh Gardner 63; Shree Charani 2/49)
India: 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet Kaur 89; Kim Garth 2/46)
Result: India won by 5 wickets
