In a stunning turn of events, India’s women’s cricket team, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten century, chased down a record 338 runs to defeat Australia and secure a spot in the ICC ODI World Cup final. This victory ended Australia’s 16-match unbeaten streak and sets up a historic final against South Africa, marking one of the greatest upsets in women’s cricket history.
Rodrigues, who was dropped from the team just a fortnight ago after India suffered three consecutive losses, returned with a vengeance in the semi-final at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Promoted to number three in the batting order, she anchored the innings after early wickets of Shefali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, demonstrating exceptional composure and tactical acumen. Her unbeaten 127 from 134 balls, the first century of her World Cup career, was hailed by experts as possibly the greatest ODI innings in women’s cricket, given the high-pressure context against the defending champions. The win was sealed with five wickets and five balls to spare, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and shattering Australia’s psychological dominance.
The match began with Australia posting a formidable 338 runs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s aggressive 119 off 93 balls and a 155-run partnership with veteran Ellyse Perry. India’s bowlers managed to pull back the scoring rate in the latter stages, preventing Australia from reaching an even higher total, but the target still seemed daunting against a side known for its relentless prowess. However, Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur forged a crucial 167-run partnership for the third wicket, steadily building the chase and keeping India in contention through calculated strokeplay and swift running between the wickets.
Rodrigues’ innings was not just about power-hitting; it showcased her ability to read the game’s ebb and flow, find gaps in the field, and disrupt the bowlers’ rhythm with innovative shots. After the match, she admitted to battling anxiety and relying on her faith to overcome mental challenges, highlighting the personal turmoil behind her stellar performance. This comeback story adds a layer of inspiration, as she was not initially part of India’s World Cup plans and faced uncertainty about her role, making her resurgence a testament to resilience and self-belief.
Australia, the seven-time champions, fought hard but ultimately cracked under pressure, with uncharacteristic fielding errors, including dropped catches of Rodrigues on 82 and 107. Despite these lapses, India’s victory was well-deserved, reflecting their resilience after a mid-tournament slump where they lost three matches in a row. The team’s ability to bounce back underscores their determination and skill, with Rodrigues’ promotion in the batting order proving a masterstroke that redefined the match’s trajectory and her own career.
The semi-final upset was part of a thrilling knockout stage, with both semi-finals producing unexpected results, adding to the tournament’s suspense. India now faces South Africa in the final, a team that has also defied odds with deep resilience and ambition. South Africa, having recently toppled Australia in the men’s World Test Championship, aims for a “golden year,” but India, with home advantage and momentum, is poised to create history. A win for India could transform women’s cricket globally, echoing the impact of Kapil Dev’s 1983 World Cup victory and inspiring a new generation of players.
As the cricket world awaits the final, this match has already cemented its place as a landmark event, showcasing the rising standards and excitement in women’s sports. The focus now shifts to Sunday’s final, where India has the chance to claim their first women’s ODI World Cup title, potentially reshaping the sport’s landscape and celebrating a phenomenal journey from the fringes to the forefront of international cricket.