India’s women script a record-breaking chase; waves of congratulations pour in — Australia lose their crown
Final on Sunday: India vs South Africa — A new champion awaits women’s one-day cricket
Navi Mumbai: At the D.Y. Patil Stadium on Thursday, the rain that threatened the Women’s ODI World Cup semifinal never troubled India, but after their stunning and unforgettable victory over Australia, the “Women in Blue” were showered with praise from all quarters. Cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and AB de Villiers, along with players like Rishabh Pant, ICC Chairman Jay Shah, and the BCCI, congratulated the Indian team on social media.
Under captain Harmanpreet Kaur, the Indian team pulled off a record-breaking chase — one that also ended Australia’s eight-year-long winning march.
Jemimah’s “One-Woman Show” in the last 10 overs
Australia entered the semifinal as World No. 1 and defending champions. But by Thursday night, India had dethroned them.
Player of the Match Jemimah Rodrigues of Mumbai played a magnificent unbeaten knock of 127 off 134 balls with 14 fours, ably supported by captain Harmanpreet Kaur, who scored 89 off 88 balls with two sixes and ten fours.
The duo put together a 167-run stand for the third wicket, but after Harmanpreet’s dismissal in the 36th over, Jemimah built small but crucial partnerships with the lower order to see India home.
Usually, in men’s cricket, we talk of a “one-man show.” On this night, Jemimah produced a glorious “one-woman show.” Australia’s opener Phoebe Litchfield’s 119-run innings went in vain.
India’s record-breaking victory: milestones rewritten
After opting to bat, Australia scored 338 runs. India chased down the seemingly impossible target of 339 in 48.3 overs (with nine balls to spare) to win by five wickets.
This match produced several records and milestones:
- World Record Chase: India’s successful chase of 339 is the highest ever in women’s ODI history, breaking Australia’s previous record of 331 against India.
- End of an Era: Australia, unbeaten in World Cups since losing to India in the 2017 semifinal, saw their 15-match winning streak snapped.
- Highest Aggregate Match: The combined total of 679 runs (Australia 338 + India 341) set a new record for the most runs in a single Women’s World Cup match, surpassing the previous record of 678 runs (England vs South Africa, 2017).
- Individual Record: Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 is now India’s highest individual score in a successful ODI chase, surpassing Smriti Mandhana’s 125.
- Historic Final: For the first time in the 52-year history of the Women’s ODI World Cup, the final will not feature Australia or England.
India vs South Africa Final on Sunday
After two day’s rest, the final will be played on Sunday at 3:00 PM at the D.Y. Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, between India and South Africa.
Whichever team wins will become first-time champions, ushering in a new era for women’s one-day cricket.