In the ongoing ICC Women’s World Cup 2025, India’s Jemimah Rodrigues played the innings of her life, slamming a century for the ages as India pulled off a record chase to storm into the final with a five-wicket win over defending champions Australia in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.
Chasing a record 339, Rodrigues anchored the innings superbly with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, guiding India home with nine balls to spare. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided excellent support, scoring 89 off 88 deliveries, while Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26) made valuable contributions in the middle order. They will face South Africa in the final.
Earlier, opener Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 off 93 balls was the cornerstone of Australia’s massive total of 338 all out in 50 overs in the second semi-final. Apart from Litchfield, Ellyse Perry (77 off 88 balls) added stability during a 155-run stand for the second wicket, while Ashleigh Gardner provided late fireworks with 65 off 45 balls after Australia opted to bat first.
It was a tough day for the bowlers, as only young spinner Shree Charani (2/49 in 10 overs) managed to contain the flow of runs. Deepti Sharma (2/73) picked up a couple of wickets but proved expensive. For Australia, Kim Garth (2/46) and Annabel Sutherland (2/69) were among the wickets.
Brief Scores:
Australia 338 in 50 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77, Ashleigh Gardner 65; Deepti Sharma 2/73, Shree Charani 2/49)
India 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 127*, Harmanpreet Kaur 89; Kim Garth 2/46)
