Post by : Rameen Ariff

India ended Australia’s title defence in a thrilling semi-final clash, securing their place in the ICC Women’s World Cup final against South Africa after Jemimah Rodrigues smashed an unbeaten 127 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Thursday. Rodrigues’ brilliant knock powered India to a record-breaking five-wicket victory, chasing down Australia’s formidable 338.

Opting to bat first, Australia posted a mammoth total of 338 all out, with opener Phoebe Litchfield producing a scintillating 119. Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner also contributed vital fifties, setting the stage for another high-scoring encounter against India. Seven-time champions Australia had previously staged a record chase of 661 runs against India in the league phase, and they looked in control once again early in the semi-final.

Australia captain Alyssa Healy initially got a reprieve when India’s Harmanpreet Kaur spilled a catch at mid-off, but she could not capitalise, departing for just five after dragging a delivery onto her stumps. Litchfield raced to a 77-ball century, forging a 155-run partnership with Perry that lifted Australia to 159-1 at the halfway mark. Despite two dropped catches by India’s Richa Ghosh, Litchfield eventually fell for 119 after attempting a cheeky scoop against Amanjot Kaur. Gardner’s 63 helped Australia cross the 300-mark, and they were eventually all out with one delivery remaining.

India’s chase started cautiously. Shafali Verma, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal, managed only 10 runs. Smriti Mandhana, India’s leading scorer in the tournament, contributed 24 before falling. The game-changing moment came with a 167-run partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur (89), stabilizing India’s chase and keeping their hopes alive.

Despite Annabel Sutherland denying Harmanpreet a century and two more dropped catches of Rodrigues at 82 and 106, India held their nerve. Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127, featuring 14 fours, ensured India achieved the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history with nine balls to spare, sparking celebrations among fans and teammates alike.

This victory not only ends Australia’s reign but also sets the stage for a new ICC Women’s World Cup champion. India will now face South Africa in Sunday’s final, with expectations high following their record-breaking semi-final performance.

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