India Creates History With Record Chase Against Australia In Women's ODI World Cup

India's Unbelievable Victory

  • The Indian women created history as they chased a record 339 runs against Australia in the semi-final of the Women's ODI World Cup.
  • No women's team had ever chased such a big total. Australia being a seven-time world champion was formidable. But India turned out to be a surprise package, as it completed the chase and reached the final.
  • This victory ensured one of the greatest moments within the annals of women's cricket. This victory came through 127* by Jemimah Rodrigues and a strong 89 by Harmanpreet Kaur as India chased the target in 48.3 overs with five wickets in its hand.

Australia's Strong Start

  • Australia batted first after winning the toss, scoring 338 runs in 49.5 overs.
  • Phoebe Litchfield played an excellent innings with 119 runs from 93 balls, supported by Ellyse Perry's 77 and Ashley Gardner's 63.
  • At one stage, Australia looked set for a total beyond 350, but Sricharani (2/49) bowled with control and helped India restrict the score.

India's Record Chase

  • India began the chase confidently but lost both openers early-Shafali Verma for 10 runs and Smriti Mandhana for 24 runs.
  • At 59 for 2, there was tremendous pressure. A partnership of 167 runs then came about between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur.
  • They rotated the strike nicely and the loose balls were being punished. Jemimah was focused on off-side strokes, which kept the run rate stable. Harmanpreet played cautiously early and then accelerated.
  • When Harmanpreet got out for 89, India still needed 115 runs from 88 balls. Jemimah stayed firm and guided the chase calmly.
  • Deepti Sharma made 24 runs, Richa Ghosh made 26 runs and Amanjyot Kaur scored 15* runs in the death overs. India crossed the target in 48.3 overs at 341/5.

Key Partnerships and Turning Points

  • The partnership of 167 runs between Jemimah and Harmanpreet was the backbone of the chase.
  • Deepti and Richa produced brisk runs in the company of Jemimah after Harman's dismissal.
  • When Richa was out at 310, India needed 29 runs in 24 balls. Jemimah and Amanjyot completed the chase confidently.
  • Jemimah Rodrigues: Player of the Match
  • Jemimah's knock of 127 not out off 134 balls included 14 fours.
  • She maintained the chase with coolness and clarity of vision. The ability to absorb the pressure and lead the team to victory won her the Player of the Match award.
  • "I didn't think of a half-century or a century. I only wanted to win for India. We have lost crucial matches in the past, and I didn't want that to happen again," Jemimah said.

Australia's Fielding Mistakes

  • Generally, Australia is known for sharp fielding but struggled in this game.
  • They dropped key catches, most notably Alyssa Healy missing an easy chance when Jemimah was on 82 and Tahlia McGrath dropping another at 106.
  • These errors gave India extra opportunities. Australia also gave away 26 extras, including 15 wides and 1 no-ball, which proved very costly.

Summary of Scores

Australia (338 all out in 49.5 overs)

Litchfield – 119 (93)

Perry – 77 (88)

Gardner – 63 (45)

Sricharani – 2/49, Deepti Sharma – 2/73

India 341/5 in 48.3 overs

Jemimah Rodrigues – 127* (134)

Harmanpreet Kaur – 89 (88) Deepti Sharma – 24 (17) Richa Ghosh – 26 (16) Amanjyot Kaur – 15* (8) Historic Records 339 - Highest chase in women's ODI history. Second time India defeated Australia in an ODI World Cup semi-final (after 2017). Third ODI World Cup final for India after 2005 and 2017. Next Match The final match on Sunday will be between India and South Africa. A title triumph by either side will mean the same thing - a new champion this year, as both these teams are chasing their first-ever Women's ODI World Cup title.