India scripted a remarkable night of cricketing history in Navi Mumbai as Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a sensational unbeaten 127, guiding India Women to a thrilling chase against defending champions Australia in the Women’s World Cup semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium.
Australia had set a daunting total of 338, riding on Phoebe Litchfield’s brilliant century, Ellyse Perry’s composed 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s attacking 63. India’s fielding lapses and inconsistent bowling added to the pressure — and history was stacked against them, with no team having successfully chased more than 330 in Women’s ODIs. Australia themselves held that record, and they had dominated India in previous matchups.
But Rodrigues flipped the narrative. Walking in early after Shafali Verma fell in the second over, the 25-year-old Mumbai star built her innings with steel and serenity, refusing to let pressure dictate her game. India’s hopes looked shaky at 59/2, but Rodrigues forged a match-changing 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, shifting momentum and belief back to the home side.
Rodrigues showed intelligence and grit rather than brute force, rotating strike smartly and keeping the required run rate within reach. Despite battling humidity and fatigue, she kept her concentration intact, inspiring teammates like Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh to contribute crucial runs as India continued the climb.
Her story of redemption made the victory even sweeter. After a disappointing start to the tournament and being dropped against England, she came roaring back with match-winning performances once reinstated at No. 3. The semifinal turned into her career-defining stage — and she owned every moment of it.
India crossed the line with nine balls to spare, thanks to Amanjot Kaur’s winning boundary, sparking euphoric celebrations and tears of joy from Rodrigues — tears she had shed for a month, but this time for triumph, not heartbreak.
With this emotional and historic win, India advances to the final against South Africa, guaranteeing the Women’s World Cup a first-time champion.
This night belonged to Jemimah Rodrigues — a performance that shattered perceptions, conquered pressure, and ended Australia’s aura of invincibility.
