It was a night to remember at the DY Patil Stadium, a night when the Indian women’s cricket team carved its name into the sport’s history books. Under the floodlights in Navi Mumbai, India achieved the biggest successful chase in the history of women’s cricket, hunting down Australia’s daunting 339-run target in just 48.3 overs.
The architects of this miracle? A composed captain, a courageous middle-order partnership and above all, Jemimah Rodrigues whose unbeaten 127 not only sealed the win but also redefined the spirit of Indian cricket.
Australia, the most successful side in women’s cricket history, seemed set for another commanding performance after winning the toss and electing to bat. Phoebe Litchfield’s fluent century, alongside half-centuries from Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner, powered the defending champions to a formidable 338. Despite early setbacks, including Alyssa Healy’s early dismissal by Kranti Goud, the Aussies rallied through a commanding 155-run partnership between Phoebe Litchfield and Ellyse Perry. Contributions from Beth Mooney and Ashleigh Gardner bolstered the total and by the time they were bowled out in the final over, Australia looked comfortably in control.
The chase, however, unfolded into a spectacle that stunned even the most seasoned spectators. Openers Shafali Verma and Smriti Mandhana fell cheaply, leaving India wobbling early. But from the rubble rose a partnership that steadied the ship and turned the tide. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur and Jemimah Rodrigues joined forces, stitching together a sublime 167-run stand that balanced aggression with maturity. Harmanpreet’s 89 was crucial in setting the tone but when she departed in the 36th over, it was Jemimah who took charge, her bat dictating the rhythm of the chase.
Her unbeaten 127 off 134 deliveries, embellished with 14 boundaries, was not just about numbers — it was about poise under pressure. With every flick, drive and glance, she dismantled the aura of invincibility that Australia had built over years. Supported by Richa Ghosh’s 26 and Amanjot Kaur’s calm finish, Jemimah ensured India crossed the line with five wickets in hand, sending the crowd into raptures.
The victory carried historical weight. Jemimah Rodrigues’ innings is now the highest individual score by an Indian woman in a One Day International run chase, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s 125. It also overtook Smriti Mandhana’s previous best in a successful chase, her unbeaten 106 against West Indies in the 2017 World Cup. But beyond national records, it marked only the second century by an Indian in a World Cup knockout match, after Harmanpreet’s legendary 171* against Australia in 2017. In global context, Jemimah became just the second player in history to score a hundred in a World Cup knockout run chase and the first to lead her team to victory doing so.
Her innings didn’t just break records; it shattered barriers of self-doubt. For Jemimah Rodrigues, this was more than a game, it was an act of personal redemption. In the post-match press conference, she opened up about the emotional challenges she had faced earlier in the tournament, revealing that periods of anxiety and uncertainty had weighed heavily on her. There were moments when the pressure felt overwhelming but she found strength in confronting those emotions rather than hiding from them.
What kept her going was the unwavering support of her family, friends and teammates, who stood by her through the lows and reminded her of her worth. Their quiet encouragement and constant presence helped her channel her emotions into something powerful on the field. That network of belief, combined with her own resolve, transformed an internal struggle into an extraordinary display of composure and courage on the world stage.
When the captain’s dismissal left India in a tense position, the responsibility fell squarely on Jemimah Rodrigues’ shoulders. Yet instead of faltering, she used that moment to refocus and take charge. The added responsibility pushed her to stay present, calm and determined, ultimately guiding India across the finish line. It was this ability to turn pressure into purpose that defined not just her innings but her growth as a cricketer and a person.
The knock drew admiration from cricket legends across the world. Virat Kohli, among the first to react, called it “a true display of resilience, belief, and passion”. His words captured the essence of Jemimah Rodrigues’ innings, not just its technical brilliance but its emotional depth. The win also ended Australia’s astonishing 15-match unbeaten streak in World Cups, stretching across two editions, making India’s triumph all the more momentous.
Virat Kohli tweeted, “What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India!”
https://x.com/imVkohli/status/1984119719939780665
Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar wrote,
“Fabulous victory! 🇮🇳
Well done @JemiRodrigues and @ImHarmanpreet for leading from the front. Shree Charani and @Deepti_Sharma06, you kept the game alive with the ball.
Keep the tricolour flying high. 💙 🇮🇳”
https://x.com/sachin_rt/status/1983956382572495294
Looking back, the DY Patil chase wasn’t merely a statistical marvel, it was symbolic of a changing era in Indian women’s cricket. It represented a generation that no longer fears the giants but challenges them on equal footing. As Jemimah Rodrigues stated later that she knew any score can be chased on this pitch, she just needed to stay there and the runs would come if she stayed there.
When the final run was scored, Jemimah Rodrigues finally let her emotions flow — tears of relief, joy and vindication. In that moment, she wasn’t just celebrating a win; she was celebrating overcoming herself.
India now heads into the ICC Women’s World Cup final with renewed belief but for millions watching, Jemimah Rodrigues has already won something far greater — hearts, hope and a place in history.
