India’s women’s cricket team delivered a performance for the ages, completing the highest successful run-chase in Women’s ODI history to defeat seven-time champions Australia in a breathtaking semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday.
At the heart of the historic five-wicket victory was a magnificent, unbeaten century from Jemimah Rodrigues ($\mathbf{127}$*), who anchored the daunting pursuit of $\mathbf{339}$ runs at the D.Y. Patil Stadium.
Chasing Australia’s imposing total of $\mathbf{338}$ (built on a century by Phoebe Litchfield and a quickfire $\mathbf{63}$ from Ashleigh Gardner), India’s innings had a wobbly start. However, the turning point came with the arrival of captain Harmanpreet Kaur ($\mathbf{89}$ off $\mathbf{88}$ balls).
- Game-Changing Stand: Rodrigues and Kaur forged a decisive 167-run partnership for the third wicket, injecting both momentum and composure into the chase. Rodrigues, promoted to number three, absorbed pressure early on and then launched a calculated assault on the Australian bowlers, hitting 14 fours in her $\mathbf{134}$-ball masterpiece.
- Historic Feat: The successful chase of $\mathbf{339}$ not only broke the WODI record—which Australia themselves had set earlier in the tournament—but also became the first-ever $\mathbf{300+}$-run chase in an ODI World Cup knockout (men’s or women’s). The victory also ended Australia’s $\mathbf{15}$-match winning streak in World Cups.
- The Finish: After Kaur’s dismissal, Rodrigues maintained her nerve, guiding the team toward the finish line with support from the lower order. It was all-rounder Amanjot Kaur ($\mathbf{15}$*) who hit the winning boundary in the $\mathbf{49}$th over, sparking an emotional eruption of cheers and tears in the Indian dugout.
The momentous win propels India into their third-ever ODI World Cup final (after $\mathbf{2005}$ and $\mathbf{2017}$). They will face South Africa in the final at the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Sunday, November 2nd, ensuring the $\mathbf{50}$-over marquee tournament will crown a first-time champion.
Rodrigues, who was visibly emotional after the match, shared her relief and pride, dedicating the knock to those who believed in her during a challenging personal year.
