NEW DELHI: Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her life on Thursday night, guiding India to their third Women’s ODI World Cup final with an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls. Her calm and composed knock helped India pull off the highest successful chase in women’s ODI history as they reached 341 for five in 48.3 overs to beat seven-time champions Australia by five wickets at the DY Patil Stadium.

Emotional scenes in Navi Mumbai: Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur in tears after India reach World Cup final

Jemimah’s third career century, and her first in a World Cup, was the cornerstone of a magnificent 167-run partnership for the third wicket with captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who made a fluent 89 from 88 balls with ten fours and two sixes. Together they ended Australia’s 15-match winning streak in the tournament across two editions.

Calm under pressure and a long-awaited breakthrough

India had faltered in several knockout games in the past, but this time they held their nerve. Jemimah walked in early in the second over and showed remarkable composure, rotating strike smoothly and finding boundaries without taking unnecessary risks.

When Harmanpreet joined her at 59 for two inside the powerplay after Smriti Mandhana’s dismissal, India were under pressure. But the captain’s assured presence steadied the chase. Once set, Harmanpreet played with freedom, lofting Tahlia McGrath over cover and dispatching Ashleigh Gardner straight down the ground.

The fast outfield and light evening dew helped batting as the innings progressed.

A big turning point came in the 33rd over when Jemimah, on 82, was dropped by Australia’s captain Alyssa Healy off Alana King. She later received another reprieve on 106 and made full use of those chances. By the closing stages, Jemimah was visibly exhausted but kept pushing through the cramps and the pressure, drawing strength from the roaring crowd as India neared victory.

Early setbacks before the rescue act

India’s chase did not begin well. Shafali Verma, playing her first ODI in a year, cracked two boundaries before being trapped in front by Kim Garth for eight. Smriti Mandhana followed soon after, scoring 24 before edging behind on review to another delivery from Garth.

At that stage, Australia appeared firmly on top, but Jemimah and Harmanpreet’s partnership slowly changed the mood in the stadium. Their mix of calm running, clean timing and confidence in shot selection kept the asking rate in control throughout.

Litchfield’s brilliance goes in vain

Earlier, Australia had posted 338 after being bowled out off the penultimate ball of the innings. Phoebe Litchfield’s dazzling 119, supported by fifties from Ellyse Perry (77) and Ashleigh Gardner (63), had set up a huge total despite a few late hiccups.

Litchfield, just 22, played one of the innings of the tournament, bringing up her third ODI hundred from 77 balls. Her 17 boundaries and three sixes lit up the ground, and her 155-run stand with Perry for the second wicket gave Australia early control.

India clawed their way back through Shree Charani, who bowled a disciplined third spell of three overs for nine runs and picked up Beth Mooney (24) and Annabel Sutherland (3) to restrict further damage. Australia were finally dismissed for 338 with one ball remaining.

India eye maiden crown

For India, this win was more than a semi-final triumph. It was the release of years of frustration and heartbreak. Jemimah and Harmanpreet’s tears at the end said it all as India celebrated their most memorable chase.

The stage is now set for a new champion as India face South Africa in the final on Sunday, with both teams eyeing their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title.

(With PTI Inputs)