SPORTS DESK: India storms into final – Australia stunned in semis
In a stunning upset at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, India, history was scripted by chasing down a mammoth 339 against seven-time champions Australia in the Women’s ODI World Cup semi-final.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 anchored the pursuit, propelling the hosts into their first final since 2017.
This victory not only shattered records but also silenced doubters who deemed the target unreachable.
Australia’s Towering Total
Australia, opting to bat first after winning the toss, raced to 338 all out in 49.5 overs, powered by Phoebe Litchfield’s explosive 119 off 93 balls, featuring 17 fours and three sixes.
Ellyse Perry’s gritty 77 and Ashley Gardner’s brisk 63 off 45 deliveries fueled the innings, though India’s bowlers, led by Sreecharani’s 2 for 49, kept the scoring in check.
Early setbacks like Alyssa Healy’s duck gave India hope, but partnerships, including a 155-run stand between Litchfield and Perry, pushed the score sky-high.
Gardner’s late flourish, with four fours and four sixes, nearly breached 350 before run-outs of Gardner and Tahlia McGrath capped the innings.
India’s Nerve-Shredding Chase
Needing the highest successful pursuit in women’s ODI history, India stumbled early, slipping to 59 for 2 after Shafali Verma’s 10 and Smriti Mandhana’s 24.
Captain Harmanpreet Kaur then joined Rodrigues, forging a match-defining 167-run partnership that revived the chase and tilted momentum.
Harmanpreet’s 89 off 88 balls, laced with 10 fours and two sixes, blended caution with aggression, while Rodrigues’ off-side mastery of 14 fours in her 134-ball vigil ensured steady progress.
By the 35th over, India stood at 226 for 2, breathing down Australia’s neck.
Rodrigues’ Unyielding Resilience
With Harmanpreet departing at a tense juncture, India needing 115 off 88, Rodrigues refused to buckle, her composure under fatigue proving priceless.
Quickfire cameos followed: Deepti Sharma’s 24 off 17, Richa Ghosh’s explosive 26 off 16 with two fours and two sixes, and Amanjot Kaur’s unbeaten 15 off 8 sealed the deal.
India crossed the line in 48.3 overs for 5 wickets, with Rodrigues earning Player of the Match honors.
Her knock, blending defense and deft placement, echoed the fighting spirit that has defined this Indian side.
Path to Glory
This triumph ends Australia’s 16-match World Cup winning streak and sets up a blockbuster final against South Africa on Sunday, with both teams chasing their maiden title.
For India, it’s a testament to depth and determination, turning a daunting script into an inspiring saga.
- Key Stats:
- Highest chase in women’s ODIs: 339
- Rodrigues: 127* (14×4, 134 balls)
- Harmanpreet: 89 (10×4, 2×6, 88 balls)
- Australia total: 338 (49.5 overs)