Table of Contents
- Historic Chase Seals India’s World Cup Final Berth
- Jemimah Rodrigues’ Masterclass Under Pressure
- Virat Kohli Hails ‘Resilience, Belief and Passion’
- Key Moments That Turned the Semifinal
- What’s Next for India in the Final?
- Sources
Historic Chase Seals India’s World Cup Final Berth
In a stunning display of composure and class, the Indian women’s cricket team pulled off the highest successful chase in ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal history—overhauling Australia’s imposing total of 338 with five wickets to spare. The victory not only ended the defending champions’ reign but also booked India a place in the 2025 ICC Women’s World Cup final, igniting celebrations across the nation.
This chase wasn’t just about numbers—it was a statement. Facing a bowling attack led by Megan Schutt and Annabel Sutherland, India’s batters showed nerves of steel on a pitch offering pace and bounce in Cape Town.
Jemimah Rodrigues’ Masterclass Under Pressure
At the heart of this historic win was Jemimah Rodrigues, whose unbeaten 127 off just 119 balls rewrote the script of high-stakes chases. Opening the innings, she anchored the innings with elegance and urgency, mixing delicate cover drives with powerful pulls.
Rodrigues shared crucial stands with Smriti Mandhana (42) and Harmanpreet Kaur (38), but it was her partnership with Deepti Sharma (29*) in the final overs that sealed the deal. Her innings marked the highest individual score by an Indian woman in a World Cup knockout match.
“She played like a champion who knew the moment demanded greatness,” said former captain Mithali Raj in a post-match analysis.
Virat Kohli Hails ‘Resilience, Belief and Passion’
Even cricket legend Virat Kohli couldn’t stay silent. Taking to social media, the former India captain praised the team’s spirit: “Resilience, belief and passion—that’s what champions are made of. So proud of our women in blue!”
Kohli’s words resonated widely, highlighting how this win transcends sport—it’s a cultural milestone for women’s cricket in India, long overshadowed by its men’s counterpart.
Key Moments That Turned the Semifinal
Here’s how India turned the tide in a high-pressure chase:
| Over | Milestone | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 12th | Mandhana departs, score at 68/1 | Rodrigues takes charge |
| 28th | Harmanpreet joins Rodrigues | 87-run stand shifts momentum |
| 44th | Required rate dips below 6 | Pressure shifts to Australia |
| 49.2 overs | Rodrigues hits winning boundary | History made |
What’s Next for India in the Final?
India will face South Africa in the final, set for November 3 at Newlands. With confidence soaring and Rodrigues in sublime form, the team carries not just skill—but belief.
For a nation that has waited decades for a women’s World Cup title, this final isn’t just a match. It’s a movement.
Sources
Times of India: Kohli hails India’s historic chase vs Australia