Jemimah Rodrigues pulls off a miracle as India complete world record chase to enter Women’s World Cup final

Australia were unbeaten in Women's World Cup for 15 games before their defeat on Thursday

A Jemimah Rodrigues special handed India a world record chase in front of a packed crowd at the DY Patil Stadium. Facing an unbeaten Australia, India chased down a massive 339 with Rodrigues finishing unbeaten on 127. The Women in Blue will now face South Africa in the final on Sunday.

Jemimah Rodrigues, India achieve the impossible dream

Australia won the toss and opted to bat first with Alyssa Healy returning an injury. While Kranti Gaud sent Healy packing, Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry ran riot against India’s wayward lengths. Litchfield played the role of an aggressor with the fastest century in women’s knockout matches.

India fought their way back with the spinners, tying the Australians down with their efforts. However a late cameo from Ashleigh Gardner ensured Australia scored past 330. India were guilty of conceding far too many runs from lapses in the field, allowing the visitors to build momentum.

In the chase, India lost Shafali Verma early. Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah stitched a good partnership before the former was caught down the legside. At 60 for 2, India were in a tricky spot.

The duo batted for more than 20 overs to keep India in the hunt. Jemimah raced to a half-century as Harmanpreet Kaur struggled with her timing initially. She eventually took over as aggressor in a 167-run partnership. Harman was eventually dismissed for 89, with India needing more than 8 an over in 14 overs.

Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh chipped in with valuable cameos as Jemimah notched up her hundred. She eventually saw the chase off with 9 balls to spare completing a world record chase.

The highest successful chase in a women’s odi was Australia’s 331 against India earlier in the tournament. Jemimah ensured India reversed that, ending Australia’s 15-match unbeaten run in Women’s World Cups.