India’s women’s cricket team scripted a historic triumph that will be etched forever in World Cup folklore, ending Australia’s remarkable 15-match winning streak in the tournament with an unforgettable semifinal victory at DY Patil Stadium.
Chasing an improbable 339, India pulled off the highest-ever successful run chase in ODI World Cup knockout history — across both men’s and women’s formats — to book a spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final.
The win wasn’t just a comeback — it was a statement. It marked the moment India’s women emerged not as challengers but as champions-in-waiting, taking down the most dominant side in the sport.
Rodrigues and Harmanpreet rewrite history
Jemimah Rodrigues (127* off 134 balls) and captain Harmanpreet Kaur (89 off 88) were at the heart of this miracle, crafting a 167-run partnership that turned hope into history. Their stand became India’s highest-ever for any wicket in a World Cup knockout and the backbone of a chase no team had ever achieved before.
From 59/2 after early blows to completing the chase with five balls to spare, India’s response was built on composure, clarity, and courage. Rodrigues’ unbeaten century was not just a performance — it was redemption. Having struggled for form earlier in the tournament, she rose under pressure, batting with conviction and calmness that belied her age.
“I just wanted to win for India. It wasn’t about me,” Rodrigues said tearfully after the match.
“I cried every day this tournament. But God carried me through.”
Australia stunned — again
Australia’s last World Cup loss also came against India in 2017 — and once again, it was Harmanpreet Kaur and company who brought the giant to its knees. Despite Phoebe Litchfield’s stunning 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77, India’s disciplined bowling attack restricted the Australians to 338, before delivering a chase for the ages.
Shree Charani (2/49) and Deepti Sharma (2/73) played crucial roles in limiting the damage late in the innings, while Richa Ghosh’s quickfire cameo of 26 ensured India didn’t lose momentum during the chase.
Legends hail the victory
The cricketing fraternity erupted in celebration.
Sachin Tendulkar hailed it as “a fabulous victory,” lauding Rodrigues and Harmanpreet for “leading from the front.”
Rohit Sharma, Gautam Gambhir, and Yuvraj Singh called the chase “one for the ages,” with Yuvraj adding,
“There are wins that go beyond numbers on a scoreboard — this was one of them.”
Former skipper Sourav Ganguly called it “incredible stuff from the girls,” while Harbhajan Singh wrote, “Hamari ladkiya kisi se kam nahi hai — our girls are second to none.”
The dawn of belief
This was more than a semifinal — it was a symbol of evolution. India had lost three matches in the group stage, including a heartbreaking four-run defeat to England. But instead of faltering, they recalibrated.
Harmanpreet admitted the losses taught them to “execute better in the final overs” and credited Rodrigues’ tactical brilliance, calling her “the mathematician of the team.”
The captain summed up the emotion best:
“We are not playing alone. Every fan, every cheer, every message carried us. This win is for India.”
As fireworks lit up Navi Mumbai, one truth became undeniable — this was India’s finest hour in women’s cricket. They didn’t just chase a target; they chased history, heartbreak, and doubt — and won them all.
Next stop: the World Cup final against South Africa — and a shot at destiny.
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