In an unforgettable World Cup semi-final, Indian cricketers Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur led a record-breaking run-chase to defeat a formidable Australian side and secure a spot in the final. This monumental victory, achieved after a challenging league stage, marks one of India’s greatest triumphs in the tournament, regardless of gender.
Facing a daunting target of over 330 against the formidable Australian eleven, India defied historical odds and past batting collapses to achieve the impossible. Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a career-best century, becoming the first woman to score a hundred in a World Cup knockout match. Captain Harmanpreet Kaur provided crucial support with a determined 89, sealing a historic win for Indian cricket.
A visibly emotional Jemimah Rodrigues spoke after the match, stating, “Today was not about my fifty or my hundred, about making India win. Everything that happened so far, was a setup for this.” Overcome with emotion, she was embraced by her teammates, while captain Harmanpreet Kaur was also seen shedding tears of joy.
Kaur shared an emotional embrace with fielding coach Munish Bali and other teammates, reflecting the sheer relief and elation of overcoming their chase jinx, defeating Australia in a crucial knockout game, and inching closer to the coveted World Cup trophy. This hard-fought victory is a testament to the immense dedication and effort invested by the team.
Despite a shaky performance in the field, including dropped catches and fielding lapses, India managed to restrict Australia, who posted 338 runs. The Women in Blue faced significant challenges, including the loss of their top scorer and a reshuffled batting order. However, Jemimah Rodrigues rose to the occasion magnificently, delivering a performance for the ages.
India will now face South Africa in the final, with the Women’s World Cup title awaiting a new champion on Sunday, November 2.