Jemimah Rodrigues Magic Fires India Into World Cup Final

News Desk

Mavi Mumbai: Jemimah Rodrigues produced a career-defining performance on Thursday night, guiding India to one of the most remarkable chases in women’s cricket history and sealing their place in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup final.

Playing under the lights at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, Rodrigues struck an unbeaten 127 off 134 balls as India successfully chased down a record 338-run target, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets with five balls to spare.

The victory marked the end of Australia’s 16-match unbeaten World Cup streak, which had stretched back to 2022, and ensured that a new champion will be crowned on Sunday.

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Just two weeks ago, Rodrigues had been left out of the squad after India’s string of three consecutive defeats. However, her return to the playing XI proved pivotal, as the Mumbai-born batter showcased composure, precision, and tactical brilliance in the high-pressure run chase.

India’s sensational victory not only dethroned the seven-time champions but also energized home fans as the team looks to clinch their first-ever World Cup title on home soil.

Earlier, team India will take on Australia in the second T20 International (T20I) of the five-match series on Friday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), with play scheduled to begin at 1:45 pm IST.

The opening match in Canberra, however, ended in disappointment for fans as persistent rain forced the first T20I to be called off. The game had shown promising signs before weather intervened twice during India’s innings.

India skipper Suryakumar Yadav looked in sublime touch, displaying a mix of control and aggression to remain unbeaten on 39 off 24 balls, including several elegant strokes. His deputy Shubman Gill also impressed with a fluent 37 not out off 20 deliveries. The duo added 62 runs off 35 balls for the second wicket, steering India to a strong position before rain halted play.