Australia’s Winning Streak Ends as Jemimah Rodrigues Leads India to the Final

The Indian women’s cricket team scripted history by defeating the seven-time world champions, Australia, by five wickets in a nail-biting semi-final clash of the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai. Jemimah Rodrigues was the star of the night, playing a sensational knock of 127 runs that ended Australia’s unbeaten streak and powered India into their third-ever World Cup final.

Under the floodlights, the energy was electric as Harmanpreet Kaur’s side recreated the spirit of Derby 2017, when the Indian skipper’s 171 changed the course of women’s cricket forever. This time, it was Jemimah’s night to shine. Her innings will be remembered as one of the finest in Indian cricket history.

India’s Record-Breaking Chase

Australia, who once held the record for the highest run chase in women’s ODIs (331 runs in Vizag), were outplayed as India successfully chased down 339 runs with nine balls remaining. With this remarkable win, India advanced to face South Africa in the final on November 2, entering with unbeatable momentum and sky-high confidence.

Australia’s Dominant Start Powered by Phoebe Litchfield

After winning the toss, Australia opted to bat first. Although Alyssa Healy got an early reprieve when Harmanpreet Kaur dropped a catch, she couldn’t capitalize as Kranti Gaud bowled her just before rain interrupted play. From there, Ellyse Perry and Phoebe Litchfield took charge, stitching together a formidable 155-run partnership for the second wicket.

Litchfield, who survived a close review on 62, went on to smash a breathtaking century off just 77 balls, becoming the youngest and fastest centurion in Women’s World Cup knockout history. Her final score of 119 off 93 balls included 19 fours and 3 sixes, leaving the crowd in awe. Perry added a crucial 77, while Ash Gardner’s quickfire 63 propelled Australia to a commanding 338.

For India, Shree Charani stood out with her disciplined spell of 2/49, while Deepti Sharma grabbed two wickets despite being slightly expensive. Misfields and overthrows, however, cost India several runs early on.

Harmanpreet and Jemimah Reignite India’s Chase

India’s innings got off to a shaky start as Shafali Verma fell early to Kim Garth. However, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues steadied the innings with a 46-run stand before Mandhana was dismissed controversially after a DRS review by Healy.

The turning point came when Harmanpreet Kaur joined Jemimah at the crease. Together, they launched a magnificent fightback, building a 167-run partnership – the highest ever against Australia in tournament history. Harmanpreet’s 89 off 101 balls, studded with 10 fours and 2 sixes, showcased her blend of aggression and composure.

Even after Harmanpreet’s dismissal due to cramps, Jemimah carried the fight, showing nerves of steel. With 80 runs required off 10 overs, Deepti Sharma added a steady 24 before falling, leaving Jemimah to guide India home.

Jemimah Rodrigues Leads India to a Glorious Finish

Unfazed by the pressure, Jemimah Rodrigues reached her third century of the year and her first-ever World Cup hundred off 115 balls. Her fearless stroke play and perfect shot selection dismantled the Australian bowling attack.

Richa Ghosh joined the party with a blistering 26 off 16 balls, hammering sixes off Megan Schutt and Ashleigh Gardner. Even as wickets fell, Jemimah remained calm, finishing the match with back-to-back boundaries off Sophie Molineux.

In the end, Jemimah remained unbeaten at 127 off 134 balls, etching her name in cricketing glory. Amanjot Kaur’s boundary in the 49th over sealed the deal, sparking celebrations across the stadium as India pulled off one of their most iconic victories.

Key Highlights of India’s Semi-Final Triumph

• India chased down 339 – their highest successful World Cup chase ever.
• Jemimah Rodrigues scored her first World Cup century (127* off 134 balls).
• Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89 helped build India’s record partnership of 167 runs.
• India ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak in World Cups.
• India will face South Africa in the 2025 Women’s World Cup Final on November 2.

Conclusion

Jemimah Rodrigues’ brilliance and India’s unwavering spirit have once again redefined women’s cricket. This win not only ended Australia’s dominance but also strengthened India’s pursuit of their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup trophy. As the nation prepares for the grand finale, one thing is clear – India’s women in blue are ready to make history.