Jemimah Rodrigues’ heroic 127 seals India’s spot in World Cup final

Mumbai: Under the lights of DY Patil Stadium, Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her life, an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, to power India into the Women’s ODI World Cup final with a record-breaking run chase against Australia.

Chasing 339, India completed the highest successful pursuit in Women’s ODI history, reaching 341 for 5 in 48.3 overs to end Australia’s 15-match unbeaten streak across two editions. Rodrigues’ composure and resilience, backed by a decisive 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88), carried India past the seven-time champions and into their third World Cup final.

At 59 for two after the early loss of Smriti Mandhana, India faced familiar uncertainty. But Rodrigues and Harmanpreet steadied the innings with calculated aggression, ensuring the required rate never slipped out of control. Rodrigues’ innings, built on 14 fours and unwavering concentration, stood as a masterclass in pacing a high-pressure chase.

Earlier, Australia posted 338 after Phoebe Litchfield’s blistering 119, supported by Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63). Despite some fielding lapses, India fought back through Shree Charani’s late burst (2/49) to prevent a larger total.

As Rodrigues sank to her knees after the winning stroke, emotion swept through the packed stands, a mix of relief, pride, and long-awaited redemption for a team that had fallen agonisingly short in previous campaigns.

With this victory, India have secured their place in the final, where they will face South Africa on Sunday.