India scripted a landmark moment in women’s cricket by completing the highest successful run chase in Women’s World Cup history, defeating Australia by five wickets to storm into the 2025 final in a nail-biting semifinal held on October 30.
India’s record-breaking chase stuns Australia
The epic match saw India chase down Australia’s towering target of 339, led by Jemimah Rodrigues’ heroic unbeaten 127 and Harmanpreet Kaur’s momentum-shifting 89. Rodrigues arrived at the crease early after the loss of opener Shafali Verma in the second over, and showcased composure under pressure, anchoring the innings with masterful strokeplay and grit.
Harmanpreet joined Rodrigues in the middle and the pair’s partnership laid the foundation for one of India’s most significant victories, blending calculated aggression and sharp running between the wickets. Despite Australia’s potent bowling attack, both Indian batters held their nerve in the final overs, driving India past the finish line in 48.3 overs. The chase not only shattered previous World Cup records but also dispelled doubts about India’s ability to perform on big platforms, setting them on course for a maiden World Cup title.
Here’s the video:
Pure emotion on display from Harmanpreet Kaur, Jemimah Rodrigues and Team India
As India’s victory was sealed, the magnitude of the moment overwhelmed Rodrigues, who broke down in tears on the field, instantly becoming the emotional soul of the triumph. A viral video captured both her and Harmanpreet visibly emotional, embracing amidst cheers from teammates and fans, with millions watching online as the raw display of passion and relief brought the cricket world to a standstill.
Rodrigues was deservedly named Player of the Match for her match-winning performance and opened up about her journey in the post-match presentation. “I want to thank Jesus because I couldn’t have done this on my own. I know he carried me through today. I want to thank my mom, my dad, my coach, and everyone who believed in me. The last four months were really tough, but this feels like a dream and it still hasn’t fully sunk in,” Jemimah shared tearfully.
Her emotional outpouring reflected not only the intensity of the competition but also the personal resilience required to rise on the biggest stage after months of rigorous training and overcoming setbacks. The rousing semifinal win has united fans and experts, evoking widespread celebration across the nation and solidifying Rodrigues’ legacy as one of the pillars of Indian cricket. With India now eyeing their first-ever Women’s World Cup crown, their stirring victory over Australia will be remembered as a watershed moment in the annals of the sport.
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
