In an unforgettable night at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her career as India Women stunned Australia Women with a record-breaking chase in the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal. Chasing a mammoth 338-run target, India scripted history by reaching 341/5 in 48.3 overs, securing a five-wicket victory and a place in Sunday’s final against South Africa.
It was a match that had everything—drama, dropped catches, counterattacks, and a young star’s defining moment. The Jemimah Rodrigues India vs Australia clash will now be remembered as one of the greatest ODIs in women’s cricket history.
Early Setback, Steady Recovery
India’s chase got off to a nervy start. Shafali Verma, replacing the injured Pratika Rawal, struck a few early boundaries but was dismissed for 10 by Kim Garth. Soon after, Smriti Mandhana fell controversially down the leg side, leaving India reeling at 59/2 inside 10 overs.
But the game changed when Jemimah Rodrigues joined Harmanpreet Kaur in the middle. The pair built a monumental partnership that anchored India’s chase. Rodrigues found her rhythm early, mixing aggression with composure, while Harmanpreet played the perfect foil, soaking up pressure before exploding later in the innings.
The duo added a 167-run stand for the third wicket, matching stroke for stroke against the world’s top bowling attack. Rodrigues reached her half-century off 55 balls, while Harmanpreet brought up her own in 65 balls. Their combination of timing, intent, and understanding left the Australian bowlers searching for answers.
Rodrigues’ Heroics and the Winning Push
When Harmanpreet departed for 89 after a brilliant catch by Ashleigh Gardner, India still needed 80 runs. That’s when Rodrigues took complete control. Alongside Deepti Sharma and later Richa Ghosh, she kept the scoreboard ticking with maturity beyond her years.
Rodrigues reached her century off 115 balls, celebrating it with quiet confidence. As pressure mounted, she displayed ice-cool nerves—lap shots, straight drives, and calculated risks—all defining a knock for the ages. Richa Ghosh’s quickfire 26 and Amanjot Kaur’s unbeaten 15 provided vital cameos in the closing overs.
With eight runs needed off the final two overs, Amanjot finished things in style with a boundary, sparking wild celebrations as India sealed a famous semifinal win. This was not just a victory—it was a declaration that India Women are ready to rule world cricket.
Australia’s Strong Start Undone
Earlier, Australia Women had posted a commanding total of 338 in 49.5 overs, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63. Their aggressive start looked ominous for India, as Litchfield and Perry added 155 runs for the second wicket.
However, India clawed their way back through Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73), who kept things tight in the final overs. Despite Gardner’s late fireworks, Australia lost momentum, setting the stage for India’s record pursuit.
A Historic Night for Indian Women’s Cricket
This victory will be etched forever in Indian cricket history. Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 off 134 balls wasn’t just a match-winning innings—it was a statement of courage, skill, and belief. Her knock stands as the highest individual score in a World Cup semifinal chase and helped India pull off the largest successful run chase in women’s ODI history.
With this win, India Women have broken Australia’s dominance and marched into their first ICC Women’s World Cup final since 2017. The upcoming final against South Africa promises to be a fitting climax between two teams chasing their maiden title.
As the sun sets on DY Patil Stadium, one thing is clear—Jemimah Rodrigues has arrived as the new face of Indian cricket, and India Women are no longer underdogs—they are champions in waiting.
