Navi Mumbai, 31 October (Sports Desk)
India’s women’s cricket team scripted history on October 30, 2025, by defeating defending champions Australia by 5 wickets in the second semi-final of the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 at the Dr. DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. This victory propelled India into their third World Cup final (after 2005 and 2017), where they will face South Africa on November 2, 2025, in the same venue. Notably, this marks the first time a first-time winner is guaranteed in the final, as neither India nor South Africa has lifted the trophy before.
Australia set a mammoth target of 339 runs, powered by a stunning 119 off 93 balls from opener Phoebe Litchfield and a gritty 41-ball fifty from Ashleigh Gardner. However, India’s bowling, led by Amanjot Kaur’s key wicket of Litchfield, restricted Australia to 338 all out in 49.5 overs after a late collapse of 4 wickets for 45 runs. In response, India chased down the highest total in Women’s ODI World Cup history (and the highest successful chase in Women’s ODIs overall) with 341/5 in 48.3 overs. This chase ended Australia’s unbeaten streak of 16 matches in ODI World Cups and their 3054-day winning run in ODIs against India.
The match-winning partnership was a record-breaking 167-run stand for the third wicket between captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88 balls) and Jemimah Rodrigues, which broke the back of the chase. Rodrigues, batting at No. 3 (a last-minute promotion from No. 5), remained unbeaten till the end, guiding Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) to hit the winning boundary. Early setbacks included Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24), but Rodrigues’ composure turned the tide.
Match Scorecard Summary
| Team | Score | Overs | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 338 all out | 49.5 | Phoebe Litchfield 119 (93), Ashleigh Gardner 50 (41); Amanjot Kaur 3/? |
| India | 341/5 | 48.3 | Jemimah Rodrigues 127* (134), Harmanpreet Kaur 89 (88), Deepti Sharma 24 (17, run out) |
- Target: 339 runs
- Result: India won by 5 wickets (with 9 balls remaining)
- Player of the Match: Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls: 12 fours, 2 sixes)
This was the highest chase in Women’s World Cup knockout history (surpassing previous records in both men’s and women’s cricket) and Rodrigues became only the second batter to score a century in a Women’s World Cup knockout stage, after Australia’s Karen Rolton in 2005.
Complete Details on Jemimah Rodrigues: Player of the Match
Jemimah Rodrigues, the 25-year-old Mumbai-born right-handed batter, emerged as the undisputed hero of this epic semi-final. Her unbeaten 127 off 134 balls (strike rate ~94.78) was a masterclass in resilience, maturity, and calculated aggression—described by commentators as “the knock of a lifetime” and “an innings for the ages.” Coming in at 59/2 in the 10th over, she anchored the innings with poise, accelerating when needed: she reached her third ODI century off 115 balls (becoming the first Indian woman to score a World Cup hundred in a knockout) and then smashed 24 runs off her last 19 balls, including surgical cuts and lofted covers.
Key Highlights of Her Innings
- Partnerships: 167-run third-wicket stand with Harmanpreet Kaur (a record for India vs. Australia in ODIs), stabilizing after early wickets.
- Boundaries: 12 fours and 2 sixes, including a humongous loft over midwicket off Ashleigh Gardner and a precise cream through covers off Annabel Sutherland.
- Pressure Moments: Survived a dropped catch by Alyssa Healy; rotated strike flawlessly amid dew and fielding errors from Australia.
- Finish: Stayed till the end, allowing Amanjot to hit the winning four, sparking emotional celebrations—Rodrigues and Harmanpreet were in tears on the field.
This was Rodrigues’ first ODI World Cup appearance, making her performance even more remarkable. She became the youngest player in ICC World Cup knockout history to score a century in a chase of 300+.
Post-Match Reaction
During the presentation, an emotional Rodrigues, with her jersey stained in red dirt from the pitch, was in tears as she received the award from BCCI President Mithun Manhas. Looking up to the stands in her hometown, she gestured a heartfelt thank you to the roaring crowd. In her interview with presenter Raunak Kapoor:
- “Firstly, I want to thank Jesus. And my coaches and every single person who believed in me.”
- “Last year I was dropped from this World Cup squad, and this year I came back to try even harder. The last few months were really tough—not being part of the team setup. But I have such amazing people around me.”
- “I thought I was batting at No. 5, but just before the game, the captain told me to go at No. 3. I just backed myself and enjoyed the moment.”
watch…..Australia vs India T20I: A Rainy Day Disappointment
Harmanpreet Kaur praised her: “Jemimah has delivered the innings of her life… her maturity under pressure belied her age.” Fans and experts echoed this, with one X user noting, “Tears in my eyes listening to Jemimah’s interview. Couldn’t be happier for her.”
Jemimah Rodrigues: Quick Profile
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jemimah Kyle Maria Rodrigues |
| Born | July 21, 2000 (Age 25), Mumbai, India |
| Role | Right-handed batter, occasional off-spin bowler |
| International Debut | ODIs: June 2018 vs Sri Lanka; Tests: June 2018 vs England; T20Is: September 2018 vs Sri Lanka |
| ODI Stats (as of Oct 2025) | 50+ matches, ~1,800 runs @ avg. 35+, 3 centuries (including this one) |
| World Cup Record | Debut WC 2025; 127* highest score; first WC hundred in knockout |
| Domestic/Franchise | Plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket; Delhi Capitals in WPL (2024 Orange Cap winner with 372 runs) |
| Achievements | U19 World Cup winner (2016); Arjuna Award (2022); Key in India’s 2023 Asia Cup win |
Rodrigues’ journey from being dropped post-2024 to this redemptive masterclass embodies grit. Her faith, family support (parents and brother), and coaching from the likes of WV Raman have been pivotal. As India eyes their maiden World Cup title, Rodrigues’ story adds an inspirational layer—proving that belief can rewrite history. The final against South Africa promises more drama!
