Sports

India Stun Australia: Record Run Chase Sends Team to World Cup Final

India Create History: Jemimah Rodrigues Leads Record Run Chase to Knock Out Australia and Reach World Cup Final

India pulled off one of the greatest chases in women’s ODI history, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets to storm into the Women’s World Cup 2025 final. The thrilling contest at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium saw Jemimah Rodrigues play the innings of her life — an unbeaten 127 off 131 balls — guiding India to victory in a record-breaking chase of 339 runs.

Jemimah Rodrigues’ Heroic Century Powers India to the Final

Dropped three times by the usually sharp Australian fielders — on 52, 83, and 106 — Rodrigues made them pay heavily, anchoring India’s innings with poise and determination. Her 127* not only marked a personal best but also became the cornerstone of India’s highest-ever successful run chase in women’s ODI cricket.

Australia, a seven-time world champion, crumbled under pressure in the final overs. In the 44th over, Tahlia McGrath dropped a straightforward catch running back from mid-off, and Annabel Sutherland conceded two wides in the 48th over, allowing India to seize momentum.

With just nine balls left, Amanjot Kaur struck the winning boundary off Sophie Molineux, sealing a historic five-wicket win for India and sending the crowd into celebration.

A Chase to Remember: India Recover After Mid-Innings Jitters

At one stage, India looked in trouble. Harmanpreet Kaur had powered to a brilliant 89 off 89 balls before mistiming a pull shot in the 36th over — leaving India needing 113 runs from 88 balls.

Moments later, Deepti Sharma was run out after a mix-up, and Richa Ghosh smashed two sixes before falling to a catch at short third. Despite the mounting tension, Rodrigues stood firm, keeping her composure as wickets fell around her.

Her calculated batting, clever running, and ability to find gaps under pressure defined the match — ensuring India crossed the finish line with nine balls to spare.

Jemimah Rodrigues Opens Up: “This One’s for India, Not for Me”

An emotional Rodrigues reflected on her journey after being named Player of the Match:

“It’s been a tough 12 months. I cried almost every day on this tour. I wasn’t doing well mentally, and being dropped was hard. But this innings wasn’t about proving a point — it was about winning this match for India,” she said.

Less than two weeks ago, Rodrigues had been dropped for the group-stage match against England. In the semi-final, she was informed just five minutes before batting that she would play at No. 3 — and she made the most of it.

“We’ve lost many crunch matches before. I just wanted to stay till the end this time,” she added, fighting back tears.

India Defy Odds to Stun Defending Champions

Few had expected India to beat Australia after an inconsistent group stage that included losses to South Africa, England, and Australia themselves. But the semi-final saw a completely different side — disciplined, fearless, and determined to create history.

Australia began strongly after winning the toss. Phoebe Litchfield scored a blistering 77-ball hundred — the fastest century in a World Cup knockout match. Supported by Ellyse Perry (50) and Ash Gardner (51 off 41), Australia posted 338, looking confident of defending it.

But India’s bowlers fought back admirably. Radha Yadav and Deepti Sharma delivered tight middle overs, while Deepti took two wickets in the final over to restrict Australia from reaching 350.

Fielding Errors and DRS Drama Cost Australia

Australia’s usually flawless fielding and decision-making deserted them at crucial moments.

Alyssa Healy, who dropped Rodrigues earlier, admitted: “We created chances, but we didn’t capitalise. Australia prides itself on fielding, and we let ourselves down.”

Earlier, both Indian openers fell inside the Powerplay. Shafali Verma, called up as an injury replacement, was trapped lbw by Kim Garth but wasted a review, while Smriti Mandhana was controversially caught behind after UltraEdge detected a faint spike.

From that point, Rodrigues and Harmanpreet rebuilt the innings, turning what seemed like a lost cause into a fairytale finish.

India to Face South Africa in World Cup Final

With this unforgettable victory, India secured their place in the Women’s World Cup 2025 final, where they will face South Africa at the same venue on Sunday.

This marks India’s third appearance in a Women’s World Cup final, and with home advantage and renewed belief, the team will be eager to lift the trophy for the first time in history.

Key Highlights: India vs Australia Semi-Final

Australia: 338 all out (49.5 overs)
- Phoebe Litchfield – 100 (77)
- Ellyse Perry – 50
- Ash Gardner – 51 (41)
- Deepti Sharma: 2/56, Radha Yadav: 1/45
India: 339/5 (48.3 overs)
- Jemimah Rodrigues – 127* (131)
- Harmanpreet Kaur – 89 (89)
- Amanjot Kaur – 24* (16)