In a thrilling encounter at Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her career as India Women chased down a record target of 339 to beat Australia Women by five wickets and book their place in the Women’s World Cup final. Her unbeaten 127 from 134 balls carried India to a famous victory, sealing the highest successful run chase in women’s one-day international history.
The DY Patil Stadium experienced a thrilling atmosphere as India pulled off one of their greatest wins in limited-overs cricket. Rodrigues, who was dropped earlier on in the tournament due to two poor outings, formed the backbone for India’s monumental victory alongside Harmanpreeth Kaur. The latter scored 89 off 88 balls, contributing to their partnership of 167 runs.
When Rodrigues came to the crease in the 10th over, India was wobbling after losing openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma early. Australia’s strong start, led by a century from Phoebe Litchfield, had left India with a mountain to climb. Yet Rodrigues took control of the innings from the onset, keeping the scoreboard ticking while Harmanpreet took time to settle in.
Once both batters found rhythm, the pursuit turned into a masterclass. Harmanpreet played the aggressor’s role, while Rodrigues became the anchor, holding the innings together. Her innings, which included 13 fours, demonstrates her skill as well as India’s relentless pursuit.
Australia had the opportunity to regain control of the game. A missed stump on Harmanpreet when she was 10 and a dropped catch on Rodrigues at 82 proved costly. On both occasions, wicketkeeper and captain Alyssa Healy was the unfortunate culprit, with leg-spinner Alana King the bowler to suffer. These lapses would later haunt the defending champions as India marched toward an unforgettable victory.
Rodrigues remained composed after reaching her century, even after Harmanpreet’s dismissal, finding support from Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh, and Amanjot Kaur. When Amanjot struck the winning boundary, Rodrigues fell to her knees in tears as her teammates rushed onto the field. It was a moment of redemption for the 25-year-old, who has evolved from a player under pressure to a solid figure in India’s campaign.
Australia’s total of 338, featuring Litchfield’s superb 119 from 93 balls, initially seemed insurmountable. The left-handed opener was in sublime form, dominating the off side and punishing anything overpitched. Of her 17 fours and three sixes, the vast majority came square and through cover, as she raced to a 77-ball century. Yet, once she was dismissed for 119, Australia faltered.
From 220 for 2, they stumbled to 265 for 6, losing key wickets through poor running between the wickets. Three run-outs and a late collapse saw their last four wickets fall for just seven runs, ending their innings at 338 in 49.5 overs. Despite a good score, it was clear they fell short of a match-winning total.
After the match, Litchfield admitted Australia had left runs on the field, while Healy conceded that the dropped chances had proved decisive. Still, most acknowledged India’s brilliance with the bat. President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Jay Shah, hailed Rodrigues’ innings as “one of the greatest in the history of Indian women’s cricket.”
The victory represents a turning point in India’s evolution. Their ability to chase a record total under pressure against the world’s most successful side will inspire a generation of young cricketers. As they prepare to face South Africa in the final, confidence in the camp is at an all-time high.
For years to come, people will remember Rodrigues’ performance. Should India lift the trophy on Sunday, this innings in Navi Mumbai will go down not just as the catalyst for victory, but as the defining moment of her career.
