Jemimah’s Heroics Fire India into ICC Women’s World Cup Final

India have ended Australia’s reign as world champions and stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup final after a record-breaking chase led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday.

Opting to bat first, Australia posted a mammoth 338 all out, powered by opener Phoebe Litchfield’s superb 119. She was well-supported by Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, who struck fluent half-centuries. The innings looked set for an even bigger score after Litchfield and Perry’s 155-run partnership pushed Australia to 159-1 by the halfway mark.

Litchfield, who punished the bowlers with 17 fours and three sixes, looked unstoppable until Amanjot Kaur’s clever delivery disturbed her stumps. Despite India pulling back in the middle overs, Gardner’s 63 helped Australia cross the 300-run mark before being bowled out with one ball left.

India’s chase began nervously. Shafali Verma, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal, managed only 10, and Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal for a run-a-ball 24 left the hosts wobbling. But the game turned on its head when Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur built a solid 167-run stand. Harmanpreet played the perfect anchor with 89, while Jemimah unleashed a masterclass of timing and calmness.

Her unbeaten 127, laced with 14 boundaries, guided India to a thrilling five-wicket win — the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history — with nine balls remaining. Australia’s dropped chances proved costly, with Jemimah surviving two crucial lifelines on 82 and 106.

With this victory, India not only dethroned seven-time champions Australia but also booked their place in the final against South Africa. A new world champion will be crowned on Sunday — and India, full of belief and momentum, look ready for their moment.