Jemimah and Harmanpreet Shine as India Reach Final

Jemimah and Harmanpreet Shine as India Reach Final

Women’s World Cup: India Vs Australia: India Women chased down a massive 339-run target to beat Australia by five wickets and enter the World Cup final. Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur’s brilliant partnership led India to a stunning victory.

 In a high-scoring semi-final clash, the Indian Women's team gave one of their best performances of the tournament to defeat the defending champions, Australia, by five wickets. Australia posted a big total of 338, thanks to Phoebe Litchfield’s classy century and Ellyse Perry’s composed 77. But India’s strong batting response, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s fluent 89, guided them to a memorable win with nine balls to spare. With this victory, India booked their place in the World Cup final against South Africa.

Australia Women's Innings

Australia got off to a mixed start after choosing to bat first. Skipper Alyssa Healy was dismissed early for just 5 runs by Kranti Gaud. From there, Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry steadied the innings with a brilliant 155-run stand. Litchfield looked in supreme touch, hitting 17 fours and 3 sixes in her outstanding 119 off 93 balls. Perry played the anchor’s role perfectly, scoring 77 from 88 balls with six boundaries and two sixes.

After their dismissals, Beth Mooney added 24 off 22 balls, but the middle order couldn’t capitalise on the start. Ashleigh Gardner, however, played a fiery knock of 63 off 45 balls, striking four fours and four sixes, pushing Australia close to 340. India’s bowlers kept fighting back with regular breakthroughs, with Shree Charani and Deepti Sharma taking two wickets each. Australia were bowled out for 338 in the final over — a strong total but not enough in the end.

India Women's Innings

India’s chase started on a shaky note as Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana fell early to Kim Garth. But Jemimah Rodrigues and captain Harmanpreet Kaur took charge with a magnificent 167-run partnership that turned the game India’s way. Rodrigues played a classy and composed innings of 127 not out off 134 balls, finding gaps beautifully and keeping her calm under pressure. Harmanpreet matched her with an attacking 89 off 88 balls, smashing 10 fours and 2 sixes.

After the captain’s dismissal, Deepti Sharma added a quick 24, while Richa Ghosh’s brisk 26 from just 16 balls brought India closer to the target. Amanjot Kaur then finished things off with 15 not out as India crossed the line in 48.3 overs. It was a perfectly timed chase that highlighted India’s batting depth and composure under pressure.

Brief Scores:

Australia Women: 338 all out | 49.5 overs

India Women: 341/5 | 48.3 overs

Result: India Women won by 5 wickets and advanced to the World Cup final against South Africa.