MUMBAI — Star batter Jemimah Rodrigues produced a match-winning unbeaten century as India stormed into the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final with a thrilling five-wicket win over Australia in the second semi-final at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy on Thursday.
Chasing a challenging 339-run target, the co-hosts reached home with nine balls to spare, thanks to Rodrigues’ classy 127 not out off 134 balls, which included 14 boundaries. India will now face South Africa in the much-anticipated final at the same venue on Sunday.
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After losing opener Shafali Verma (10) early, Rodrigues steadied the chase with Smriti Mandhana (24) and later forged a decisive 167-run partnership with skipper Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88). Despite a few hiccups in the middle order, contributions from Deepti Sharma (24), Richa Ghosh (26), and Amanjot Kaur (15 not out) sealed India’s spot in the title clash.
Earlier, Australia posted a formidable 338 all out in 49.5 overs, led by Phoebe Litchfield’s blistering 119 off 93 balls and Ellyse Perry’s 77. Ashleigh Gardner added late fireworks with a rapid 63 off 45 balls, while Indian bowlers Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma claimed two wickets each.
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The victory marks a defining moment for India’s women’s cricket team, who will now aim to lift their maiden Women’s World Cup title in front of the home crowd against South Africa.