Published: Oct 31, 2025, 02:49 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 31, 2025, 02:49 PM (IST)
A day before the Women’s World Cup semi-final against Australia, very few believed Harmanpreet Kaur’s Indian team could defeat the seven-time champions at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. But the match proved once again that sports are full of surprises it’s performance on the big day that truly counts.
Jemimah Rodrigues delivered a sensational innings, playing one of the finest white-ball knocks in women’s cricket history. Her brilliance guided India to a record-breaking run chase and a memorable entry into the final of the eight-team tournament.
Rodrigues, aged 25, produced a stunning unbeaten knock of 127 runs off 134 balls, guiding India to a remarkable chase of 339 runs with five wickets in hand and nine balls to spare. With this victory, the hosts secured their place in the Women’s World Cup final for the third time and their first appearance since the 2017 edition. The magnitude of defeating Australia, a team known for its dominance, sparked widespread praise from cricketing legends such as Rohit Sharma, Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Gautam Gambhir.
However, Legendary Indian player Sachin Tendulkar also congratulate Indian team as he said ”Fabulous victory! Well done @JemiRodrigues and @ImHarmanpreet for leading from the front. Shree Charani and @Deepti_Sharma06, you kept the game alive with the ball. Keep the tricolour flying high,†Sachin wrote on X.
Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly also praised the team as he wrote ”Incredible stuff from the girls .. how good they have become in the last 5 years .. one more to go .. just outstanding @BCCIWomen.â€
Gautam Gambhir praised India’s stunning performance, emphasizing the team’s fighting spirit. He highlighted the importance of never giving up until the very end, writing, “It ain’t over till it’s over! What a performance, girls.â€
”There are wins that go beyond numbers on a scoreboard. This was one of them. Under pressure, with the world watching @ImHarmanpreet played with the calm and conviction of a true leader while @JemiRodrigues brought pure focus and intent to play an innings of a lifetime! This partnership came from belief in their own game, in each other, and in what this team stands for. A historic semi final to win and on to the finals now,†wrote Yuvraj.
