India ended Australia’s title defence and booked their place in Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final against South Africa after Jemimah Rodrigues crafted an unbeaten 127 to secure a thrilling five-wicket victory in the second semi-final on Thursday.

Chasing 339, India completed the highest successful run chase in women’s ODI history with nine balls to spare at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai.

Australia, who elected to bat, posted 338 all out, led by opener Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 off 93 deliveries. Litchfield put on a 155-run stand with Ellyse Perry and reached her hundred in 77 balls, striking 17 fours and three sixes. Perry and Ashleigh Gardner hit half-centuries, with Gardner’s 63 helping Australia cross 300 before they were bowled out with one ball left.

India fought back after Aust

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