Last Updated on 6 months ago by Charbel Coorey
India have pulled off the highest run chase in women’s ODIs at the perfect time, knocking off champions Australia in one of the great wins. Chasing 339 for victory, India lost both their openers in the powerplay, before Jemimah Rodrigues, Harmanpreet Kaur and the middle order inspired a remarkable victory.
Jemimah, who thought she would be batting at five, played the innings of her life. Given India have lost so many close encounters in the past, Rodrigues had a mission of getting her team over the line. It is an incredible moment for a player who was dropped from the team earlier in the tournament.
“I thought I was going to bat at No. 5,” she said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “I was taking a shower and when the discussion was happening, I told them ‘let me know.’ Just five minutes before entering I learnt I would be at No. 3.”
“But I didn’t think about me. It was not for me to prove a point, it was just to win the match for India because we have always lost in crunch situations. So I wanted to stay till the end to take us through.”
Harmanpreet echoed similar thoughts. The captain combined with Jemimah for a 169-run stand after India lost both openers inside the powerplay. Smriti Mandhana’s wicket in particular looked a big turning point, but the clutch partnership put India in a great position to win.
“I am feeling very proud. I don’t have words to express myself. We have crossed that line which we have been working towards for a long time, we wanted to achieve this, and all the players have worked hard. We trusted each other, and I am proud of this team,” Harmanpreet said after she scored a crucial 89, as quoted by CricToday.
Rodrigues hit 14 fours, while Harmanpreet struck 10 fours and two sixes. Strike rotation was vital in ensuring the asking rate didn’t spiral out of control. Under pressure, India held their nerve better than the Australians, who crucially dropped some simple chances.
It set the platform for Deepti Sharma (24 off 17), Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) to provide the all-important impact. The latter hit the winning runs, sparking huge celebrations (and tears) at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Navi Mumbai.
IND-W vs AUS-W Twitter Reactions: India pull off the highest run chase in women’s ODIs to reach World Cup Final
“It will surely be the greatest run chase in the history of women’s One Day Internationals,” said the great Ian Bishop on commentary. “Given the context of a women’s Cricket World Cup semi-final, and India have strolled across the line defeating the former champions, now we can say, Australia, who had been unbeaten until now.
“Victory by five wickets to tears of joy and passion. They are into the final of this World Cup, and there will be a new name on the trophy of the ICC Women’s World Cup in a few days’ time.”
India’s victory sparked huge reactions online. India fans were full of joy, while Australians were left stunned that they didn’t defend 338.
“To surpass a total of 338 versus AUS, in a WC SF, is just a mind-numbing achivement,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “This match could do to women’s cricket what 83 world cup did for men’s cricket,” wrote another.
Here are some of the reactions to an incredible Indian win.
Earlier, Phoebe Litchfield’s superb hundred led Australia’s strong start. Ellyse Perry and Ash Gardner then ensured Australia still finished with a strong total. However, it proved not enough.
India and South Africa will do battle at the same venue. There will be a brand new winner of the ODI World Cup, and it promises to be an incredible match.
