Smart Play Leads to Big Victory
Victory in cricket does not depend solely on strength. Strategy and patience, too, play their part in the game. The Indian women's cricket team showed just this in the Women's ODI World Cup as it defeated Australia. India won by a slender margin and progressed to the final for the second time after beating the same opponent in the semifinals. It was Harmanpreet Kaur's day in 2017; in 2025, it was Jemimah Rodrigues who guided her team home. Both the innings will be etched in Indian cricket history.
The 2017 World Cup Semifinal
In 2017, Mithali Raj was leading the Indian side, and by then, Harmanpreet Kaur was an experienced player. She played one of the finest innings in women's cricket. India entered the semifinal in third place against the powerful Australian team. After early wickets of Smriti Mandhana and Poonam Raut, and a short stay by Mithali Raj, Harmanpreet took over.
She made 171 runs not out from 115 balls. Due to rain, the game was reduced to 42 overs. Her innings comprised of 20 fours and 7 sixes. India made 281 runs which includes 180 runs in the last 17 overs. Harmanpreet made valuable partnerships with Deepti Sharma and Veda Krishnamurthy. Her attacking game gave India a commanding total. The bowlers did well later, and India beat Australia to reach the final.
The 2025 Semifinal Showdown
It was again Australia that came for India in the 2025 semi-final. Australia remained unbeaten and showed confidence about the game. India needed to chase the target of 339 runs, which was a big ask. When both openers got out early with the score under 60, it looked difficult. But the game changed with the partnership between Jemimah Rodrigues and Harmanpreet Kaur.
They made 167 runs in 156 balls. Harmanpreet played an aggressive stroking 89 while Jemimah played steadily. After the fall of Harmanpreet, Jemimah continued the chase without any hassle. She remained unbeaten on 127 runs to see India home. Her innings was studded with 14 boundaries as she was declared Player of the Match. Though she was dropped thrice, Jemimah kept her cool and saw India through to the final against Australia. Australia's Missed Opportunities Australia are known for their wins in the knockout games, but they dropped two catches that were crucial to changing the outcome of this semi-final. There was definitely a lack of discipline at crucial moments of the match. India made full use of the mistakes and won the match in a historic way.
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