Proteas Women set to face India in World Cup final after Jemimah Rodrigues' heroic century

Proteas Women’s allrounder Marizanne Kapp had her wish granted when hosts India shocked seven-times champions Australia in a thrilling ICC Women’s Women Cup semi-final in Navi Mumbai on Thursday evening.

The Proteas will now face India in the much-anticipated World Cup final at the DY Patil Stadium.

Kapp had expressed her desire to face the hosts after the Proteas beat England by 125 runs in their World Cup semi-final in Guwahati on Wednesday.

“I would love to play India in a final, especially I feel like when I play in India, even though the crowd is against me, it feels like they're shouting for me. So, I love the crowds,” Kapp said.

India dethroned the defending champions finishing on 341/5 with nine balls remaining. It was the highest successful run-chase in the history of Women’s ODI cricket.

Middle-order batter Jemimah Rodrigues was the heroine for India, delivering an all-time classic innings with an unbeaten 127 not out (134 balls, 13x4). 

Rodrigues had support from captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88 balls, 10x4, 2x6) with the pair compiling a match-winning 167-run partnership for the third wicket.

Australia had their chances, but an uncharacteristically poor display in the field with numerous dropped chances allowed India the opportunity to chase down the record total.

The Aussies had earlier set up a daunting 338 with opener Phoebe Litchfield striking an equally brilliant 119. Litchfield shared a 155-run second wicket partnership with Elysse Perry (77). 

But the Aussies lost their last eight wickets for 118 runs to be bowled out within the 50 overs which allowed India back into the game.