An inspiring knock from Jemimah Rodrigues guided India to a historical five-wicket win over Australia during the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 semifinal at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. The win over Alyssa Healy’s Australia took India to their third ODI Women’s World Cup final after reaching the summit clash twice before in 2005 and 2017. On both occasions, India lost the finals and finished runners-up, but this time, India have a bright chance to undo previous results as they face South Africa in the finals at home.
Former India captain Mithali Raj credited centurion Jemimah, who soaked all the pressure and built a strong foundation alongside skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored an invaluable 89.
“Well, this is exactly what a fitting semi-final in a World Cup should be, two top teams, India and Australia, going head-to-head. The storytelling continues. Jemimah Rodrigues’ knock was one for the ages, especially in a high-pressure semi-final where India needed individuals to rise to the occasion,” said Mithali on JioStar.
Jemimah and Harmanpreet added 167 runs off 156 deliveries for the third wicket and made sure India stayed in the hunt of a 339-run chase. After Harmanpreet’s dismissal, Jemimah continued from one end and made crucial partnerships with Deepti Sharma, Richa Ghosh before Amanjot Kaur finished the game in the 49th over.
Mithali said it didn’t seem India were out of the contest at any given point. “Australia understood the significance of the game, played out of their skin, and posted 338 on the board. India didn’t lose hope even after losing Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana, who have been in excellent form. Jemimah, walking in at number three, along with Captain Harmanpreet Kaur, steadied the innings beautifully. At no point did it seem like India was out of the contest. Contributions from Richa Ghosh, Amanjot, and Deepti Sharma further strengthened the innings. But it was Jemimah’s century that truly held India together and took them over the line. When you score a hundred in a knockout, you ensure your team gets through, and that’s exactly what Jemimah did,” she said.
The overhaul of 339 was the highest successful chase in the history of the Women’s ODIs. It was also the highest ever successful chase in any World Cup knockout match, including men’s cricket.
