By Asif Naveed
Web Desk; Jemimah Rodrigues struck a brilliant unbeaten century to guide India into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final after a thrilling five-wicket victory over Australia in the second semi-final held at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday.
The win sealed India’s place in the final, where the co-hosts will face South Africa at the same venue on Sunday.
Chasing a massive 339-run target, India reached the finish line with five wickets in hand and nine balls remaining, thanks to Rodrigues’ composed 127 not out off 134 balls, featuring 14 boundaries.
India’s run chase began shakily when opener Shafali Verma fell for 10 runs in the second over, leaving the hosts at 13 for one. Rodrigues then took charge at number three, forming a steady 46-run partnership with Smriti Mandhana (24 off 24) before the latter was dismissed by Kim Garth in the 10th over.
Rodrigues later found strong support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur, and together they built a match-defining 167-run stand for the third wicket. Kaur played a captain’s knock of 89 from 88 balls, hitting 10 fours and two sixes, before being caught at deep midwicket off Annabel Sutherland in the 36th over.
After the skipper’s dismissal, Rodrigues continued to anchor the chase with key contributions from Deepti Sharma (24), Richa Ghosh (26), and Amanjot Kaur (15 not out), taking India home in the penultimate over.
For Australia, Kim Garth and Annabel Sutherland claimed two wickets apiece but failed to stop India’s momentum.
