An emotional Team India scripted history at the DY Patil Stadium, defeating defending champions Australia by five wickets to reach the Women’s World Cup final
New Delhi: Under the floodlights of the DY Patil Stadium, tears, hugs, and pure joy marked one of India’s most emotional cricketing nights as the women’s team pulled off a historic five-wicket win over defending champions Australia in the ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal.
Chasing a daunting target of 339 — the highest in Women’s World Cup knockout history — India’s pursuit was anchored by Jemimah Rodrigues, who produced a match-winning 127 not out. Her composed brilliance was complemented by captain Harmanpreet Kaur’s aggressive 89 off 88 balls, setting the tone for a chase that will be remembered for years.
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The winning moment came in the 49th over when Amanjot Kaur guided Sophie Molineux’s delivery past point for the boundary that sealed India’s passage to the final. Jemimah sprinted down the pitch, arms wide, before embracing Amanjot in tears. Smriti Mandhana soon joined, leaping into the celebration as the entire team stormed the field. What followed was a flood of emotions — laughter, tears, and disbelief — as the Indian dugout erupted in unison.
Harmanpreet Kaur was seen breaking down in tears while hugging teammates, overcome by the moment. Jemimah, the star of the night, pointed to the stands, sent a flying kiss, and folded her hands in gratitude to the cheering crowd.
“This was more than just a win,” Jemimah later said, calling her innings “a gift of faith and patience,” and revealing that she had played “with Jesus in her heart.”
Earlier, Australia’s total of 338 was built on Phoebe Litchfield’s 119 and Ellyse Perry’s 77. However, young spinner Shree Charani (2/49) bowled with maturity to slow down the scoring in the middle overs, giving India a chance to mount their historic chase.
With crucial cameos from Deepti Sharma (24) and Richa Ghosh (26), India maintained momentum through the innings. The successful pursuit of 339 not only marked the highest chase in Women’s World Cup knockout history but also ended years of heartbreak for a team that had fallen short in previous campaigns.
As India now prepare to face South Africa in Sunday’s final, the night at Navi Mumbai will be remembered not just for the numbers but for the raw emotion — tears, hugs, and a flying kiss that captured the heart of a nation.
The ICC Women’s World Cup semifinal between India and Australia on Friday turned into a defining moment in Indian cricket.
The winning boundary by Amanjot Kaur in the penultimate over sparked wild celebrations. Jemimah’s sprint, Smriti Mandhana’s leap, and Harmanpreet’s tears reflected the emotional magnitude of the triumph. The DY Patil Stadium crowd witnessed not just a win but a moment of redemption after India’s close defeats in past World Cups.
India’s 339-run chase set a new record in Women’s World Cup knockout history, signalling the rise of a confident, fearless generation of cricketers. With momentum on their side, India now look ahead to the final against South Africa — their chance to convert emotion into glory.
Published: 31 Oct 2025, 07:51 am IST
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