The Indian Cricket Team completed their highest chase in a World Cup knockout match when it hauled down 339 against Australia in Navi Mumbai on Oct 30th 2025, to secure a place in the final of the ODI World Cup 2025
The mammoth chase was completed with 9 balls to spare
This is only the third time ever a team has chased down 300+ in a World Cup knockout match
And this was accomplished by our Women’s Cricket Team, and the above stats include both the Men’s and Women’s team.
Let us take a moment to let that sink in.
And, before we go on to talk about the heroes of this triumph and read about their achievements so far, let us also reflect for a moment on those many instances in the past when we have disregarded the abilities of girls on the sporting field, calling them the weaker sex, the fairer sex (who by the way should not darken themselves playing in the sun) and the gender whose primary focus should be managing a home and the kitchen. We have wanted them to be petite figures dressed modestly, not strong outspoken individuals who take on the world. And how boldly and how proudly they have stamped their authority on the field.
The Star of the Show
Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 is now India’s highest individual score in a Women’s ODI run chase. She was the hero of yesterday’s run chase and surpassed Smriti Mandhana’s 125 against Australia last month in Delhi, another masterful innings.
- Jemimah became the first Indian woman to hit a century in a knockout match against Australia
- She also became the second batter to register a hundred in a WC knockout run-chase
- Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur’s 167-run partnership is now the highest by an Indian duo in a Women’s World Cup knockout contest.
There was a very crucial quick-fire 89 from captain Harmanpreet Kaur. Richa Ghosh (26 off 16) and Amanjot Kaur (15* off 8) also played fine cameos to take India across the line.
India vice-captain, Smriti Mandhana is currently the second-highest scorer in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 with 365 runs from seven innings, including a century and two fifties. Although she did not perform as per expectations in the semis, the country will hope for a big contribution in the finals.
Jemimah who made her under-19 debut at 12 and ½ years of age and India Debut at just 18, was unstoppable as she produced an innings of pure class and resilience. She spent 97 overs in the field, an astonishing feat which speaks volumes for her mental and physical strength.
The naysayers bite the dust
When the India Women failed to reach the semis of the T20 world cup in Oct last year, many spectators as well as officials began doubting their potential. Their batting and fielding came under severe scrutiny and was criticized immensely. Their lack of aggressive leadership came under evaluation, and most people wanted Harmanpreet the captain to be sacked and expressed doubts over the team. Most of them will be revising their thoughts soon.
Key Support
In 2022, India became the first major cricket nation to announce equal match fees for men and women. It was a strong message that women’s cricket deserved equal respect and recognition.
This, followed by the Women’s Premier League (WPL) launch in 2023, further paved a powerful platform for India’s Women cricketers. Jay Shah the current ICC chairman was instrumental in these changes and bringing more supporters to watch matches, putting efforts into advertising as well as giving passes to groups of students and others has further brought the zing into the game. It has boosted visibility and grabbed attention.
Fingers crossed for the Final on Sunday Nov 2
Now the Nation waits with bated breath to watch the finals of the ICC Women’s World Cup on Sunday. It is a familiar feeling, this anticipation and this wait. But the beauty of the moment is that we are doing it for the Women’s Team this time around!
While the men have often brought us glory in this field, and we have basked in their triumph and cried in their heartbreak, it is amazing to see the country celebrating for the women this time. They have been wholly worthy of our applause and commanded respect as ever, we hope they cross the final frontier and lift the cup this year. Let it be a wonderful end to a courageous campaign!!
Get Ready to Bleed Blue!
Manobina Nanda Ganguly
Manobina is a Computer Engineer by profession, working for over two decades. An avid reader since childhood, she loves reading both fictions and non fictions. She can be reached at manobina@gmail.com.
