Cricket fans at the D.Y. Patil Stadium witnessed history on Thursday as India pulled off the highest-ever successful chase in women’s ODIs, defeating defending champion Australia by five wickets to storm into the Women’s World Cup final.
In a match that produced a staggering 669 runs, the electrifying atmosphere matched the magnitude of the contest. India, chasing 339, surpassed their previous best chase of 265, achieving the target with nine balls to spare, thanks to a masterful innings from Jemimah Rodrigues, who anchored the chase with poise and flair.
Jemimah’s 167-run partnership with captain Harmanpreet Kaur turned the tide after India’s shaky start. Openers Smriti Mandhana and Shafali Verma fell early in the PowerPlay, leaving the team under pressure at 49 for two. But the duo of Jemimah and Harmanpreet rebuilt with patience and precision. Jemimah’s innings was a blend of timing and temperament — cutting, driving, and improvising with her signature ramp shots — while Harmanpreet’s composed half-century gave the chase structure before she was caught in the deep for 82.
With 113 runs required off 88 balls, Jemimah held her nerve, guiding India closer even as partners changed at the other end. Cameos from Deepti Sharma and Richa Ghosh kept the momentum alive, before Amanjot Kaur’s square cut off Sophie Molineux sealed a famous win. As the ball raced to the boundary, Jemimah was mobbed by her teammates — the moment symbolizing India’s belief and resilience.
The victory, however, was not without flaws. India’s fielding earlier had been subpar, with dropped catches and missed stumpings costing them nearly 20 extra runs. Yet, fortune favored the brave, as Jemimah was twice reprieved — once when Alyssa Healy dropped her on 82, and again when Tahlia McGrath spilled a catch on 106 — mistakes that ultimately proved costly for Australia.
Earlier, Australia’s innings revolved around a magnificent century from Phoebe Litchfield, whose 124 combined elegance and innovation. Supported by Ellyse Perry’s fluent strokeplay and Ashleigh Gardner’s late onslaught, Australia posted a formidable 338 before being bowled out off the penultimate ball.
Despite a sloppy start in the field, India’s batters redeemed the day spectacularly. For a record crowd that filled the stands, the result was nothing short of a dream — the host nation toppling the world’s best in a thriller that will be remembered as one of the greatest matches in women’s cricket.
India now advances to face South Africa in the World Cup final on Sunday, with momentum and belief firmly on their side.
