Team India created history on Thursday by defeating seven-time champions Australia to book their place in the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup. In a thrilling semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium, India chased down a mammoth target of 339 runs, winning by 5 wickets with 9 balls to spare.
Jemimah Rodrigues emerged as the star of the match, playing a magnificent unbeaten innings of 127 runs, steering India to victory alongside Amanjot Kaur, who remained not out on 15.
Earlier, Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front with a brilliant 89, while Richa Ghosh contributed 26. Openers Smriti Mandhana (24) and Shafali Verma (10) gave India a steady start before both were dismissed by Kim Garth, who also took the key wicket of Harmanpreet. Deepti Sharma (24) was run out in a mix-up.
Batting first, Australia posted a challenging 338 for 9 in their 50 overs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63. However, India’s bowlers kept the pressure on in the death overs. Spinners Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma took two wickets each, while Kranti Gaur, Amanjot Kaur, and Radha Yadav picked up one apiece. Three Australian batters were run out due to sharp fielding.
With this memorable win, India has stormed into the final and will now aim for their first-ever Women’s ODI World Cup title, carrying the hopes of millions of fans across the nation.
laying XI of Both Teams
India: Harmanpreet Kaur (captain), Smriti Mandhana, Shafali Verma, Amanjot Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Deepti Sharma, Radha Yadav, Kranti Goud, Shree Charani, Renuka Singh Thakur.
Australia: Alyssa Healy (captain and wicketkeeper), Phoebe Litchfield, Ellyse Perry, Beth Mooney, Annabel Sutherland, Ashleigh Gardner, Tahlia McGrath, Kim Garth, Sophie Molineux, Alana King, Megan Schutt
Richa Ghosh departs for 26; Sutherland strikes again
Richa Ghosh was dismissed by Annabel Sutherland on the final ball of the 46th over. Attempting a cut shot off a slower delivery, Richa found Kim Garth at short third man, who completed a comfortable catch.
Richa’s fireworks take India past 300
India crossed the 300-run mark in the 45th over. Richa Ghosh smashed consecutive boundaries off Ashleigh Gardner — including a massive 83-metre six followed by a four — to bring India closer to the target.
Jemimah gets another reprieve
Jemimah Rodrigues survived again in the 44th over. Her lofted shot off Annabel Sutherland went towards long-off, but Tahlia McGrath couldn’t hold on as the ball deflected off her hand. Jemimah was batting on 106 at the time.