Navi Mumbai, Oct 30 (NationPress) Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a stunning performance, achieving a significant century, arguably the most critical of her career. Alongside captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 89 runs off 88 balls, India successfully navigated a challenging chase, overcoming Australia by five wickets. This victory propels India into the finals against South Africa in the ICC Women's ODI World Cup.

In a thrilling semifinal encounter, Rodrigues showcased her skills, scoring an impressive unbeaten 127 off 134 balls, including 14 boundaries. Together with Harmanpreet Kaur, who contributed 89 runs, they formed a formidable 167-run partnership that led India to a total of 341/5 in just 48.3 overs, surpassing Australia's score of 338 all out during the second semifinal held at the DY Patil Stadium.

India's pursuit of the daunting target started poorly when Shafali Verma was dismissed after just five balls, managing only 10 runs. Originally called up as a late substitute for the injured Pratika Rawal, Verma aimed for a remarkable comeback but couldn't last long.

Her partner, Smriti Mandhana, who is a crucial part of India’s batting lineup, made 24 runs off 24 balls before being ruled out by the TV umpire after a DRS review revealed a faint edge off the bowling of Kim Garth, who recorded figures of 2-29 in her opening spell.

Despite the shaky start, Rodrigues stepped up, filling in for the absent Harleen Deol, and alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, they constructed a solid foundation with their partnership.

Rodrigues displayed exquisite stroke play, reaching her half-century off 57 balls with 8 boundaries. Her batting was a blend of deft cuts and powerful drives. She was particularly impressive with a stunning scoop off Kim Garth, and her ability to find the gaps was commendable. Despite a dropped catch by Alyssa Healy, she continued to thrive.

Harmanpreet Kaur supported her well, achieving her fifty off 65 deliveries, and together they ensured India stayed in contention, reaching 189/2 after 30 overs, almost level with Australia's score of 193/2.

After reaching her fifty, Harmanpreet shifted gears, smashing four more boundaries and two sixes, propelling India past 200 runs and closing the gap on the required run rate.

Harmanpreet’s impressive innings ended with a score of 89 runs after mistiming a pull shot that was caught by Ashleigh Gardner.

Rodrigues then partnered with Deepti Sharma to add 38 runs for the fourth wicket before Deepti was run out, bringing the score to 264/3 in the 41st over.

Rodrigues reached her first World Cup century off 115 balls, featuring 10 boundaries. Her journey to this remarkable achievement, especially after facing challenges in earlier matches, underscores her talent and resilience.

Richa Ghosh hit a six off Megan Schutt, and with another boundary from Rodrigues, India was left needing 55 runs off 42 balls. An additional let-off occurred when Tahlia McGrath dropped a catch. Ghosh contributed significantly, scoring 26 off 16 balls, before being dismissed while trying to accelerate the score.

As the match neared its climax, Rodrigues struck vital boundaries, particularly in a key over by Sutherland that cost 15 runs, leaving India needing just eight runs off 12 balls to secure the win.

Brief scores:

Australia: 338 all out in 49.5 overs (Phoebe Litchfield 119, Ellyse Perry 77, Ashleigh Gardner 63; N Shree Charani 2-49, Deepti Sharma 2-73) lost to India: 341/5 in 48.3 overs (Jemimah Rodrigues 127 not out, Harmanpreet Kaur 89, Richa Ghosh 26; Kim Garth 2-46, Annabel Sutherland 2-69) by five wickets.