India ended Australia's title defence and booked their place in Sunday's women's World Cup final against South Africa after Jemimah Rodrigues smashed an unbeaten 127 to secure their thrilling five-wicket victory in the second semi-final on Thursday. Litchfield raced to a 77-ball century during a 155-run stand with Perry that took Australia to 159-1 at the halfway stage of their innings. India claimed quick wickets to apply the brake but Gardner (63) took Australia past the 300-mark before they were all out with one delivery left in their innings. A 167-run stand between Rodrigues and Harmanpreet (89) put India's chase back on track. Annabel Sutherland denied Harmanpreet a hundred but Rodrigues was spilled when the batter was on 82 and again on 106, which proved costly in the end.

Source: bd News24 October 30, 2025 18:23 UTC