- Jemimah Rodrigues led India past Australia with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls
- India defeated defending champion Australia by five wickets to reach the Women's Cricket World Cup final
- Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 89 runs off 88 balls
Jemimah Rodrigues made an unbeaten century to India into the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup after the host and defending champion Australia was defeated via five-wicket victory on Thursday.
Jemimah scored 127 runs off 134 balls, and guided India towards a world record chase of 341-5 in 48.3 overs, the highest successful chase in World Cup knockout history, between men or women. India will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday in the same venue, in its first final.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur scored an impressive 89 runs from 88 deliveries, including a record 167-run stand for the third wicket, the best for any wicket in any Women's World Cup match.
India's middle order lost a couple of wickets still maintained a reasonable rate of scoring. Deepti Sharma scored 24 runs from 17 balls and Amanjot Kaur finished with 15 not out.
After winning the toss, Australia scored a commendable 338 in 49.5 overs. Phoebe Litchfield was the leading run-scorer with 119 off 93 balls, while Ellyse Perry scored 77 off 88 balls and Ashleigh Gardner provided a good supporting knock with 63 off 45 balls, who also should impress upon Australia the regret on missed catches and missed fielding opportunities, especially as the defending champions.
The Player of the Match, Jemimah, was quoted post-game and said she was happy and it felt unreal to be a part of India qualification in the final. "It was about getting the team over the line, not about my century."
With the loss, Australia was finally stopped after a streak of 16-straight World Cup unbeaten matches dating back to 2022, while both India and South Africa will be searching for their first Women's Cricket World Cup championship.
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