History Made! India Women Secure World Cup Final Spot with Record-Breaking Run Chase
The Indian Women’s Cricket Team’s journey to the final of the current Women’s ODI World Cup was far from easy. They faced early setbacks, including a defeat against Australia in Visakhapatnam on October 12, despite posting a massive 330 runs. Furthermore, Harmanpreet Kaur’s side failed to clinch victories against South Africa and England, even after showing promise.
But on a thrilling day at the DY Patil Stadium, the Indian squad, which was at risk of being eliminated during the league stage, secured the fourth and final semi-final spot. With 34,000 cheering fans in attendance, Harmanpreet and Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a spectacular performance, setting a new record for the highest successful run chase in Women’s ODI World Cup history. India won by 5 wickets with 9 balls remaining, sparking emotional celebrations among teammates, including Amanjot Kaur and Rodrigues.
Tears of Joy and High Praise
Following their stunning victory and securing a place in the final, tears of joy were visible in the eyes of Rodrigues and Harmanpreet. The exceptional win immediately drew high praise from Indian cricket legends like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar on social media.
• Sachin Tendulkar wrote on his official X handle: “What a stunning victory! Jemimah Rodrigues played brilliantly. Harmanpreet Kaur led from the front. Deepti Sharma kept the hope alive with every ball. May the Tricolor always fly high.”
• Virat Kohli also took to his official X handle to celebrate: “Our girls won a brilliant match against a tough opponent like Australia. The girls won with a great run chase. Jemimah played brilliantly in the big match. The game was a combination of resolve, confidence, and passion. India played great.”
Rodrigues’ Career-Defining Knock
Jemimah Rodrigues seemed to have saved her best career inning for the semi-final. She played an unbeaten knock of 127 runs off 134 balls, featuring 14 fours. This was her third ODI century, earning her the Player of the Match award.
Many on social media drew parallels between Rodrigues’ hundred and Gautam Gambhir’s 97-run innings off 122 balls in the 2011 World Cup final in Mumbai, creating collages of both players raising their bats in triumph.
Gambhir himself tweeted after the win: “It’s not over until it’s over. The girls played brilliantly.”
Final Showdown: India vs. South Africa
The Indian team will now face South Africa in the final at the DY Patil Stadium this Sunday. The match for the Women’s ODI World Cup title is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM Bangladesh Time.
For India, this final offers a chance to heal an old wound, referencing their loss to England in the 2017 ODI World Cup final. For the South African women, this will be their first-ever appearance in an ODI World Cup final.
