Jemimah Rodrigues produced one of the great World Cup innings as India stormed into the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 final with a stunning win over defending champions Australia in Mumbai.

The 25-year-old batter struck a commanding 119 off just 93 deliveries to steer India to a record chase of 339, the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history. Her knock, full of precise stroke-play and composure under pressure, anchored India’s innings after the early loss of Shafali Verma. She shared a decisive partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur that turned the contest India’s way.

Earlier, Australia looked in complete control after Phoebe Litchfield blazed 119 off 80 balls, supported by veteran all-rounder Ellyse Perry’s 77. Their 180-run stand set up a commanding total of 338, boosted by a late surge from Ash Gardner, who smashed 63 from 54. India’s bowlers, led by Sree Charani’s 2/49 and Radha Yadav’s dismissal of Perry, applied late pressure to restrict the damage.

A tactical DRS call by Australian captain Alyssa Healy briefly stalled India’s progress when Smriti Mandhana fell caught behind to Kim Garth, but Rodrigues’ counterattack steadied the chase. Her landmark hundred at the Dr DY Patil Stadium sent the home crowd into raptures as India powered home with overs to spare.

The result ends Australia’s bid for a third consecutive title and sends India into Sunday’s final against South Africa, who beat England in the other semi-final.

Neither South Africa nor India have ever won the Women’s World Cup – the only two teams who have ever won the tournament are the two beaten semi-finalists, Australia and England.