Jemimah, Harmanpreet Rewrite Destiny as India Storm into Women’s World Cup Final

Navi Mumbai, Oct 30: In a night that will be etched in the golden pages of Indian cricket, Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s commanding 89 powered India Women to the ICC Women’s World Cup final, scripting a record-breaking five-wicket triumph over defending champions Australia at the DY Patil Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing an imposing 338, India displayed nerves of steel to pull off the highest-ever successful chase in any ODI World Cup knockout — men’s or women’s. It was also India’s first 300-plus chase and their first victory over Australia in a World Cup knockout match, turning decades of heartbreak into triumph.

India’s reply began in dramatic fashion, with Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) departing early. At 59 for 2, the chase appeared uncertain until Jemimah and Harmanpreet stitched together a majestic 167-run partnership, restoring belief and balance to India’s innings.

While Harmanpreet led with a captain’s calm — her 89 off 88 balls laced with 10 fours and two sixes — it was Jemimah’s serenity and sublime strokeplay that anchored India’s pursuit. Each of her shots, from the elegant cover drives to the deft flicks behind square, reflected confidence and control.

When Harmanpreet fell to a brilliant catch by Ashleigh Gardner, Australia sensed a chance. But Deepti Sharma (24) steadied the innings, and Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) reignited the tempo with audacious boundaries. Jemimah, unshaken, guided India home with artistry and assurance, bringing up her century with a simple flick — her only celebration, a quiet smile.

The winning runs came fittingly off Amanjot Kaur’s bat, and as the ball raced to the ropes, Jemimah sprinted to embrace her teammate. The entire Indian squad charged onto the field, celebrating with tears, laughter, and disbelief — a moment of redemption after close defeats in 2005, 2017, and 2022.

Earlier, Australia’s formidable 338 was built on Phoebe Litchfield’s 119, Ellyse Perry’s 77, and Ashleigh Gardner’s 63, while Deepti Sharma and Shree Charani shared four wickets to check the scoring in the final overs.

Australia’s Kim Garth (2/46) and Annabel Sutherland (2/69) struck early, but the duo’s efforts were undone by India’s determined middle order.

As the floodlights dimmed and the cheers echoed across Navi Mumbai, India’s women stood together, arms around each other, their faces lit with pride. The ghosts of past finals had finally been laid to rest.

India are now into their third Women’s ODI World Cup final, after finishing runners-up in 2005 and 2017. But this time, with Jemimah Rodrigues’ name shining bright across the skyline of women’s cricket, they carry with them not just hope — but destiny rewritten.