On Thursday night, India knocked the defending and seven-time World Champions, Australia, out with a stunning five-wicket victory following a record run chase at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai to secure their spot in the final against the Proteas.

Top-ranked Australia batted first and scored 338 runs in the second semi-final before being bowled out off the penultimate delivery.

Jemimah Rodrigues and Amanjot Kaur after scoring the winning runs. Photo: Cricinfo

This was thanks to a brilliant 119 off 93 balls by Phoebe Litchfield, while Ellyse Perry added 77 off 88, and the in-form Ash Gardner contributed 63 off 45.

Shree Charani was the pick of the Indian bowlers with 2/49 in 10 overs, while Deepti Sharma took 2/73 in 9.5 overs.

In reply, Jemimah Rodrigues scored a patient 127 not out off 134 balls, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur chipped in with 89 off 88 as India reached 341/5 in 48.3 overs for a record run chase.

Kim Garth was Australia’s best bowler with 2/46 in 10 overs, while Annabel Sutherland took 2/69 in 10.

For her match-winning knock, Rodrigues was named player of the match. She said, despite having to chase down the record total, they backed themselves as any score is chaseable at that particular venue.

“When we saw this score, the team’s thoughts were that against New Zealand in 49 overs we had scored 341, and against Australia in Vizag we had scored 333,” said Rodrigues.

Nadine de Klerk when the Proteas beat India by 3 wickets. Photo: Cricinfo

“So, we knew that we’ve done it against this team, and I felt with the way Australia started, they were 30 runs short – with the way they were going, with the start they got.

“So, I knew they were 30 runs short, and DY Patil is such a pitch that any score is chaseable. I just knew my thought process was that I had to be there, because the runs would come – I just needed to stay out there to get them.”

Rodrigues added that while she was thrilled to register a career-best total for her third WODI ton, it was all about putting the team’s needs first.

“Actually, I’ve not let it sink in yet,” she added.

“All I would say is that I didn’t play for my 100. I didn’t play to prove a point at number three. I didn’t play for my 50. I just played to make sure India win – I wanted to see India win at the end, and that was my only motivation.

“I think when you have that thought process, God also favours you. You do it for the team, not for yourself. And I think I’ve always played my cricket that way. I’m short for words, actually.”

Sunday’s final will be the 13th in the history of the Women’s Cricket World Cup – and no other team apart from Australia (7 titles), England (4 titles), and New Zealand (1 title) has managed to lift the trophy. So, history will be made as a new champion is crowned.

Sunday’s highly anticipated final at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai is scheduled to get underway at 11:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs