Jemimah Rodrigues hit an unbeaten 127 to ensure India set a record ODI chase of 339 against Australia in a thrilling second semi-final of the Women’s World Cup on Thursday.
Rodrigues and skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, who hit 89, put on 167 runs for the third wicket as India won with nine balls and five wickets to spare on the outskirts of Mumbai at the DY Patil Stadium.
Amanjot Kaur struck the winning boundary to spark wild celebrations in the Indian camp with smiles and tears of joy in the duo.
India will take on South Africa in the 50-over tournament at the same venue on Sunday to get a new champion.
The hosts created history by going past Australia’s previous best chase of 331 against India in the league stage of this edition.
Seven-time champions Australia faltered in their title defense, suffering their first defeat in the ODI World Cup after 15 wins since 2017 when India defeated them in the semi-finals.
India looked to be in trouble at 59-2 in the 10th over but Rodrigues and Kaur rode the storm and then attacked the opposition in a near-full house cheering every run.
A key moment in the match came when Rodrigues survived a missed catch on 82 from skipper Alyssa Healy, who failed to hold the ball with her wicket gloves from Alana King.
Annabel Sutherland broke through to get Kaur bowled out for 89 as India needed another 113 for victory and an exhausted-looking captain trudged back.
An ice-cold Rodrigues, who was again dropped on 106 by Tahila McGrath despite Deepti Sharma’s run on 24 and then dismissed Richa Ghosh for 26, stayed anchored and saw the team through.
India lost Shafali Verma and then star batsman Smriti Mandhana was caught behind for 24, a decision reviewed by Healy and replays suggesting the ball grazed the bat.
Mandhana looked disappointed and trudged back with a wry smile, but had the last laugh when the team won.
After Australia opted to bat in overcast conditions, Phoebe Litchfield hit 119 off 93 balls to steer the team to the mammoth total.
Hosts India were dealt regular blows after a second-wicket partnership of 155 between Litchfield and Ellyse Perry, who made 77 after overturning an early lbw decision.
But Ashleigh Gardner ensured Australia’s good start was not wasted as she contributed a brisk 63 before the last three wickets fell in the final.
Spinners Shree Charani and Deepti took two wickets each.
