Jemimah Rodrigues century powers India to Women’s World Cup final

Jemimah Rodrigues produced a stunning match-winning century as India scripted a historic run chase to defeat defending champions Australia by five wickets and seal their spot in the Women’s World Cup final on Thursday.

Chasing a daunting 339-run target, Rodrigues anchored the innings with a magnificent unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, steering India home with nine balls remaining.

Captain Harmanpreet Kaur played a vital hand with a fluent 89 off 88 deliveries, while Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26) provided crucial support down the order.

The victory marks India’s highest successful chase in Women’s World Cup history and sends them into the final with confidence and momentum.

India will now face South Africa in the Women’s Cricket World Cup final in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

India registered a 341/5 chase, marking their first successful run-chase of a 300-plus total in a World Cup knockout, and ending Australia’s formidable 15-match winning streak in the tournament.

India has now qualified for the Women’s ODI World Cup final for the third time in history, having previously finished runners-up in 2005 and 2017.

--Agencies