Rodrigues’ Record-Breaking 127 Powers India into World Cup Final

Mumbai, October 31 — Jemimah Rodrigues produced the innings of her life, smashing an unbeaten 127 as India chased down a record 339 against Australia on Thursday to storm into the Women’s World Cup final.

The hosts, led by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s 89, reached 341 for five with nine balls to spare at the DY Patil Stadium on the outskirts of Mumbai — pulling off the highest-ever successful chase in women’s one-day international history.

The result sent India into Sunday’s final against South Africa, guaranteeing a new name on the 50-over World Cup trophy.

Faith, Fight, and Firepowe

Rodrigues, named player of the match, dedicated her career-best knock to her faith.

“Firstly, I want to thank Jesus, because I couldn’t do this on my own. I know he carried me through today,” said the 23-year-old Mumbai-born batter.

“It was really hard these last four months, but it feels like a dream. Towards the end, I just kept quoting a scripture — to stand still and let God fight for me. I just stood there, and He fought for me.”

Her unbroken partnerships with Harmanpreet Kaur and later Amanjot Kaur, who hit the winning boundary, sparked wild celebrations in the Indian camp. Smiles and tears flowed freely in the dugout as the hosts reached an incredible milestone.

Australia Falter, India Rise

Australia, seven-time champions and heavy favourites, had earlier posted 338 for seven — a formidable total built around Phoebe Litchfield’s sparkling 119 off 93 balls and Ellyse Perry’s 77.

But India’s spinners, Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma, kept the visitors in check with two wickets each. Despite a late flourish from Ashleigh Gardner (63), Australia’s innings stuttered in the final overs.

It was still a total that seemed out of reach when India slipped to 59 for two after Shafali Verma (10) and Smriti Mandhana (24) fell early. But Rodrigues and Harmanpreet steadied the chase with a commanding 167-run partnership that turned the contest around.

Missed Chances Cost Australia Dear

Alyssa Healy’s side had their moments — but crucially, they couldn’t hold their chances.

Healy herself dropped Rodrigues on 82, and Tahila McGrath spilled another on 106, allowing the in-form Indian batter to anchor the chase.

Kaur eventually fell for 89, but by then, the momentum had decisively shifted. Despite losing Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26) near the end, Rodrigues held firm to finish the job in style.

“Feeling great — we’ve been working for so many years,” said Harmanpreet Kaur. “It’s an amazing feeling.”

Healy was left ruing missed opportunities:

“We didn’t finish with the bat, didn’t bowl that great, dropped chances in the field,” the Australian skipper admitted. “Ultimately, we were outdone in the end.”

History Beckons

India’s chase not only shattered Australia’s proud unbeaten run in World Cup matches since 2017 — also ended by India — but underscored a growing belief in the team’s resilience and depth.

For Rodrigues, who weathered both personal and professional struggles in recent months, the knock was redemptive. For Indian cricket, it was a moment of arrival — a victory carved out of faith, fight, and unflinching resolve.

On Sunday, at the same venue, India will seek to go one step further and claim their first-ever Women’s World Cup crown.